Third Sunday of Lent

Year of the Family "Amoris Laetitia The Joy of Love"

In other years: Blessed Francis Palau y Quer (1811-1872)

Readings of the Day

Rule of Saint Benedict: Ch 41 Times for the Brothers' Meals

Mass:  Ex 3:1-8a, 13-15; Resp Ps 103; 1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12; Lk 13:1-9 or Ex 17:3-7; Resp Ps 95; Rm 5:1-2, 3-8; Jn 4:5-42

He pardons all your iniquities.

MARY, QUEEN OF PEACE,

PRAY FOR US.

Whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall.

(1 Cor 10:12)

I like it when Jesus poses questions. In today's Gospel, He asks: Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? Problems begin when we start pointing fingers. These words from the psalmist come to mind: "I said, 'I will watch my ways, lest I sin with my tongue, I will set a curb on my mouth'" (Ps 39:1). And words from our Lord: For [our heavenly Father] makes His sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust (Mt 5:45). Thankfully, we are all together on this journey and God does not deal with us according to our sins, or requite us as our deeds deserve (Ps 103:9-10). God loves each one of us so much; He cultivates us with His mercy and love. As the gardener says to the owner of the fig tree in today's Gospel, Jesus says to us, day in and day out: Leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future (Lk 13:8-9). 

Brothers and sisters, God believes in us! He trusts us and accompanies us with patience. He does not get discouraged, but always instills hope in us. God is Father and looks after you as a father. As the best of fathers. He does not look at the achievements you have not reached, but the fruits that you can bear. He does not keep track of your shortcomings but encourages your potential. He does not dwell on your past, but confidently bets on your future.

(Pope Francis, Angelus Address, March 20, 2022) 

United in faith and prayer, we pray for the grace to continue our search for God. God's mercy endures forever. 

BLESSED FRANCIS PALAU Y QUER,

PRAY FOR US.

Today's photo: I forgot about these clothed in Lenten violet beauties, seen here at the Abbey of Our Lady of New Clairvaux, Vina, CA.

© Gertrude Feick 2022