As Jesus sends out the 72 disciples, he empowers them to carry on his earthly mission. Their efforts inspire us to consider how the Lord directs and sends us out into the world to offer our lives today.
With a simple phrase Jesus heals both body and soul, revealing not only his power to save but also our need to receive his mercy with an open mind and heart.
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.
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