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.
Jesus teaches the disciples that we will know a tree by its fruit, and this insight can be applied to the state of our spiritual lives and our relationships with one another.
Jesus teaches us about a spiritual principle that shows how God’s grace grows in our hearts. May we take stock of what we are feeding our souls, mindful that whatever we encourage (good or bad) will grow.
The Gospel reveals that growth and knowledge often take time to develop. This process of maturity reminds us that our own spiritual life requires a steady discipline of commitment over the entire course of our lives.
This Advent Reflection was livestreamed on the Cathedral Facebook Page on November 29, 2020. May all of us use the gift of this holy season to prepare our hearts to welcome Christ!
(Note: there is a slight distortion in the sound quality on the podcast; I apologize for any inconvenience.)
St. Paul reveals by his example and teaching that all of us are called to give our best effort in whatever labor we do. Our task is to see how the daily work we complete on earth helps build the Kingdom of Heaven…then do it!
As we bring the year 2019 to a close, perhaps it makes sense to take a brief walk back through the last twelve months and reflect on how our lives have changed. Where did we experience moments of growth? Where did we experience God’s grace? May we look back and count our blessings as we prepare for a New Year.
Three Great Things 