THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT- YEAR-C

I Reading: Exodus 3:1-8.13-15: I Am has sent me to you.

II Reading: 1Corinthians 10:1-6.10-12: The life of the people under Moses in the desert was written down to be a lesson for us.

Gospel: Luke 13:1-9: Unless you repent you will all perish as they did.

The truth About Suffering and Sin: The Great Need for All to Repent

Why do people suffer? Some say that people suffer because they are greater sinners. The result, too often, is that many who suffer feel this is true; consequently, they end up with all sorts of guilt and emotional problems. They think their suffering is due to some great sin they have committed and that God is punishing them because they have been such great sinners. It is this subject that is dealt with in this passage.

1. Men do not suffer because they are greater sinners than others (v.1-5)

a. Event 1: The latest news of a horrible murderous event

  1) Did not suffer because they were greater sinners

  2) All must repent or perish

b. Event 2: The latest news of a terrible tragedy

  1) Did not suffer because they were greater sinners

  2) All must repent and perish

2. Men must bear fruit or else they will perish (v.6-9)

a. The fig tree’s privilege: in the vineyard

b. The fig tree’s purpose: to bear fruit

c. The day for reaping came

  1) Found no fruit

  2) Found that the tree was using up space on the ground and producing nothing

d. The mercy of God

  1) Gave another chance

  2) Fertilized and fed

e. The judgement was based on fruit

Thought:

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe (Heb 1:1-2).

God himself revealed to Moses in the burning bush and He revealed His name “I AM WHO I AM” which means “I exist and I live.” The bush was burning but not consumed indicates the power of God is active and alive with full of power and strength. He cannot be destroyed or burnt down by any other powers or gods. Moses experienced the true power of God in his stick turned into snake and his leprosy hand was cured instantly and the same stick was also used to perform many miracles in different occasions. 

The other name of God is YAHWEH means “He-who-is”, or “He-who-causes-things-to-be”, gave himself this title to the Israelites: “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” This reassured Moses that he had nothing to fear. God, rather than he, would be the one to act, and would show such power as Pharaoh would not be able to resist; eventually, his people would be set free. As Moses was called for a specific mission; we too have been called for a specific purpose to repent and to bear much fruits. So let us take off our shoes like Moses took of his shoes  removing or keeping away sinful natures while meeting the true, living and powerful God. The same true and living God has been revealed to us today; so let us worship Him because He is always faithful, loving, forgiving and full of compassion even if we are not faithful to Him.

Thought: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 6:23).

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