THE LORD IS KIND AND MERCIFUL Psalm 102

The 3rd Sunday of Lent leads us to the realisation that we are half way through the season. A timely reminder for us to reflect- What does Lent mean to me? Have I revisited my understanding of Lent being “ a season of prayer, fasting and alms giving “as presented to us in an earlier Bulletin?

Also mentioned in an earlier reflection we read of “The Game Plan!” Having such a plan for Lent could be a useful tool - a reminder of the rules Jesus continually reminds/gives us, remembering, however, that it is not always easy to take them on board.

Again, on an earlier Sunday and the gospel of Luke 6:39-45 we were reminded of the role of a teacher or guide in our lives. In that gospel we are challenged to look at ourselves, grow in love and kindness and show others the ways of Jesus.

So here we are halfway to Jerusalem and Holy Week! How is our Game Plan progressing? Does it need adjustment? Today’s gospel offers us some suggestions. In the gospel today Jesus uses the word “repent” when speaking to the crowd. He was inferring that suffering isn’t directly linked to personal sinfulness or a punishment from God. Brendan Byrne (The Hospitality of God) suggests that Jesus is using the word “repent” to encourage the people to think about how they may be judged if they suffer like the Galileans at that particular time or the people when the tower of Siloam fell. In his book Brendan writes “ Why not settle affairs with God’ emissary (Jesus) while still on the way to Jerusalem? Soon it will be too late!” Page 134. Lent, for us is an opportunity to “repent,” that is to think about how we are living, choices we are making and how we are reconciling with each other. In a word re engaging with God’s emissary Jesus!

Luke then has Jesus telling the parable of the fig tree. We must all have had a non flourishing or unproductive plant or area in our garden causing us annoyance. Have we dug it up or have we been like the gardener in the parable, patient and caring? Lent is our time to let Christ the gardener, cultivate our hearts and help us have fruitful lives. We are reminded of God’s patience. Like the fig tree He looks to us to bear fruit- the fruits of love, peace, compassion, justice and non violence.

Lent is the time for us to review our growth, emerge from the wilderness and reflect/repent. Are the choices we make showing our faith in action? God is patient but are we using our time wisely? Jerusalem is getting closer.

How is the Game Plan playing out?

Are we using Jesus as our guide and teacher as we move through the wilderness?

Ken and Carolyn Evenden