Peter – calling upon the name of the Lord – performs two miracles in the first reading from Acts, continuing the ministry of Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit. May we do the same today!
Ananias is called by God to heal Saul’s blindness. May his example inspire us to respond to the Lord’s invitation to reach out to others as we put our faith into practice every day.
Here are some of the main themes in the readings for the 3rd Sunday of Lent.
1st Reading – Exodus 3:1-8a,13-15
Moses encounters the Lord who speaks from the burning bush.
God announces the plan to save the people of Israel from their bondage in Egypt and will be called “I AM” when the people ask Moses what is God’s name.
Psalm – 103:1-4,6-8,11
“The Lord is kind and merciful.”
God is merciful and gracious, healing, redeeming and pardoning our sins.
2nd Reading – 1st Corinthians 10:1-6,10-12
St. Paul recounts part of the mistakes of the people of Israel as they fled Egypt.
We are encouraged to learn from this and seek what is good as we follow Jesus Christ.
Gospel – Luke 13:1-9
Jesus speaks to the people, encouraging them to repent.
The Lord then offers a parable about cultivating a fruitful life, and he includes a warning if we neglect our growth.
Note: These are the readings for “Year C” in the Lectionary for Mass. On the 3rd, 4th and 5th Sundays of Lent, parishes may use the “Year A” readings at Masses that includes members of the RCIA process.
We all seek healing in body, heart, mind and soul. May the Letter of James inspire us to call upon the Lord for healing both on the inside and the outside as we strive to be agents of healing for one another.
The first reading minces no words when it comes to testing the depth of our love for God. As we apply this insight to ourselves, may we call upon the Lord to help us love one another in a manner worthy of Christ.