March 23, 2025・3rd Sunday of Lent （C）

Exodus 3.1-8a,13-15・Psalm 103.3+4,6+7,8+13・1 Corinthians 10.1-6,10-12・Luke 13:1-9

The penitential aspect of Lenten observance talks about each one`s acknowledgment of past and most recent sins committed, as well as about each one`s willingness to change/to conversion of heart. This time, we are called to reflect on Jesus` compassion and mercy, in which in fact we foresee to acquire too as fruits of our penitential acts.

We are now on the third Sunday and third week of Lenten reflections and recollection. The consolations of the third Sunday of Lent are based on the compassion and mercy we continually receive from our Lord. With the experience of the unending mercy and love of God, we too will be able to live more compassionate and merciful to our own selves and to others.

The parable of a barren fig tree in our Gospel reading today speaks about God`s patience and about the ongoing call (daily call) to repentance. God gives us time to change and grow in faith. Just like the gardener who sought more time/sufficient time to nurture the tree, may we too be willing to give time to ourselves and others, so to say be a little more patient and forgiving to our own selves and others until we bear good fruits.

As part of our further reflection during this Jubilee year and Holy year, may we find better understanding of what is means to be pilgrim people. Let us journey together, help and support each other until we have reach our final destination.