3rd Sunday of Lent (C)

Inspire in Us the Practice of Good (2011-2013):

Sunday Reflections for Liturgical Years 2011 (A), 2012 (B), and 2013 (C)

3rd Sunday of Lent (C), March 3, 2013

Liturgical readings
Exodus 3:1-8, 13-15
Psalm 103
1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12
Luke 13:1-9

"Leave it another year while I hoe around it."


Some were present who told Jesus about the Galileans
whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.


He said in reply:


"Do you think that these Galileans were the greatest sinners in Galilee
just because they suffered this?

By no means!
But I tell you, you will come to the same end unless you reform.

Or take those eighteen who were killed by a falling tower in Siloam.
Do you think they were more guilty than anyone else who lived in
Jerusalem?

Certainly not!

But I tell you, you will all come to the same end unless you begin
to reform."


Jesus spoke this parable:

"A man had a fig tree growing in his vineyard, and he came out looking
for fruit on it but did not find any.

He said to the vinedresser,

'Look here!
For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree
and found none.

Cut it down. Why should it clutter up the ground?

In answer, the man said,

'Sir


leave it another year while I hoe around it and manure it;
then perhaps it will bear fruit.

If not, it shall be cut down.'"

Points for reflection and prayer:
"Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is
holy ground." (Exodus 3)
"Merciful and gracious is the Lord; slow to anger and abounding in
kindness." (Psalm 103:8)
"Let anyone who thinks he is standing upright watch out lest he
fall!" (1 Corinthians 10)