THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT, MARCH 20, 2022

MASS READINGS

A reading of the holy Gospel according to Lk 13:1-9

Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. Jesus said to them in reply, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them— do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!” And he told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’ He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’”

REFLECTION

"But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!”

This day is the first scrutiny in preparation for the Baptism of the Catechumens. These future Christians will be baptized, taking on a Christian identity, the all important need for repentance and a spirit of conversion.

And just what is Christian identity? It is more than just saying you believe in Christ but a life of being Christ like, loving and willing to carry His Cross. And it is in this Cross that we find our identification. After all, Jesus said, "If any man would come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24). We actively participate in the mystery of Redemption.

And how can we accomplish this: Through the graces of the Holy Spirit.

People, some good and some not so good, suffer. It is what we do with these sufferings that matter--if we distance ourselves from sacrifice and pain, we walk further away from holiness and happiness. And the further we are from heaven!

God is not vindictive nor spiteful. It is our sin that separates us from God and it is the Cross through mercy that will bring us back to God. Accept all that God gives you, thanking Him for His never ending love and compassion.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY

Though some of our trials seem unbearable, may God give us the strength to persevere in our sufferings and to be aware when we need to repent and plead for mercy.

"The Lord is kind and merciful"
(Psalm 103)

God Bless You