Psalm 103 reminds us that “the Lord is kind and merciful” and inspires us to seek out Christ with eager and fervent faith for the grace we need each day.
In this third of a six-part Lenten series, Carry Your Cross, Fr. Andrew continues a discussion of Matthew 16:13-28 regarding how Satan sets obstacles in the form of deception, temptation, and fear to keep us from carrying our crosses in life.
Jesus offers a parable to the Pharisees about a rich man and Lazarus, inviting us to consider the tools and resources of our faith that help us journey from this life to the next.
Let’s examine some of the themes that we find in the Mass readings for the 3rd Sunday of Lent.
1st Reading – Exodus 3:1-8a,13-15
While tending flocks near Mount Horeb, Moses encounters God in the burning bush.
The Lord has heard the cry of the people enslaved in Egypt and will lead them to a land flowing with milk and honey.
God tells Moses that when he goes to the Israelites, he will tell them, “I AM sent me to you…the Lord, the God of your Fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”
Psalm – 103: 1-4,6-8,11
“The Lord is kind and merciful.”
Merciful and gracious, the Lord pardons, heals, redeems, and guides the children of Israel.
2nd Reading – 1st Corinthians 10:1-6,10-12
Paul reminds the people that many Israelites displeased God during the Exodus.
The example of the Israelites serves as a warning to neither grumble nor desire evil things.
Gospel – Luke 13:1-9
Citing a couple of recent tragedies, Christ reminds the people to repent of their sins lest they perish.
Jesus then speaks about a parable of an unfruitful fig tree, revealing both the mercy and judgment of God.
Three Great Things 