Third Sunday of Lent

Reflection

“Don’t worry—I got this.” Famous last words of those who believed they had everything under control. Have you ever heard someone say something like this? Have you ever said something similar yourself? “I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters. . .” says the Apostle to the Corinthians. And again at the end of the passage, “Whoever thinks he is standing secure, should take care not to fall.” It seems as though it is human nature to think we have it all together—just before everything falls apart. So Jesus seems to be speaking to the Galileans, who think that their ancestry makes them special, when He says, “But I tell you if you do not repent, you will perish as they did!” Repent or perish—now there’s an unpopular message.

In a larger sense, Jesus is speaking to all of us who think we’ve basically got our s**t together. Unlike those people over there—the people who can’t seem to get their act together—we know the truth. We know how to act. We know the right way to vote or the right way to think. If you catch yourself thinking something along these lines (and I know I have), then Jesus’ message is for you. You might be one of those trees that isn’t bearing any fruit—too complacent in your rightness to even notice your barren branches. And yet Jesus reminds us that God is a God of second chances. If you’re ready to listen, ready to let the gardener work up the soil and haul in some fresh manure, then there’s still time...even if the smell of fresh “fertilizer” takes some getting used to.

Prayer

God of second chances, help me recognize my own weakness, especially in the places I thought I was strongest. Teach me to learn the wonder of dependence on You and on the grace of those who love and care for me.

Robert Brenneman, Associate Professor of Sociology

Scripture

First Reading: Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15

Psalm 103:1-4, 6-8, 11

Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12

Gospel: Luke 13:1-9

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website