Today’s readings offer us profound insights through the story of Moses and the parable of the fig tree on faith and a lifelong relationship with the Lord that leads to eternal life with Him.
Let us first consider Moses, who finds himself tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro in the desert. It is in this seemingly mundane task that Moses encounters the extraordinary—the burning bush that is not consumed. This poignant moment serves as a reminder that God often reveals His presence in the ordinary aspects of our lives. A simple act of shepherding becomes a divine encounter, reminding us to be alert and open to God's call, even when it comes wrapped within the fabric of our daily routines.
In the same way, during this Lent, we are called to recognize the holy ground we stand upon. Like Moses, we may need to remove the sandals from our feet—those distractions, burdens, and attachments that prevent us from recognizing the holiness of our encounters with God. The call to holiness beckons us to draw closer, to be aware of the ways in which God speaks to us—through prayer, through our loved ones, and even through our struggles. Are we open to stepping closer, to hearing God call our name as He did with Moses? "Moses! Moses!" Each of us has a name known uniquely to God, and He invites us into relationship with Him.
As God speaks to Moses, expressing His awareness of the affliction of His people and His desire to rescue them, we are reminded of God's compassion. The Psalmist echoes this truth, reminding us, "The Lord is
kind and merciful." Amid our suffering, our trials, and our encounters with injustice, God sees us. He invites us to trust in His presence and His power to redeem and rescue. We, too, are called to be vessels of that kindness and mercy, to reflect the character of our God into the world around us.
In the second reading from 1 Corinthians, Paul reminds us that the stories of our ancestors serve as examples for us. Their journey through the desert was fraught with challenges, temptations, and ultimately, the need for repentance. Just as we reflect on their experiences, we too must examine our lives during Lent. Are there patterns of behavior, areas of sin or complacency in our hearts that need the gardener's attention? Are we like the fig tree, taking up space but not producing the fruit of righteousness? Lent invites us to a season of renewal and growth, a time for introspection so that we might be pruned and nourished, allowing the Holy Spirit to cultivate within us a rich harvest of faith, hope, and love.
In the Gospel from Luke, we encounter Jesus who challenges the notion of suffering and sin. The people who spoke to Jesus expected Him to blame the Galileans whose blood Pilate mingled with their sacrifices, but instead, Jesus redirects their focus—instead of drawing conclusions about sinfulness, He brings their attention back to repentance. He tells them, “If you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!” Jesus is reminding us that life is fragile and uncertain, and we are called to live in a state of continual conversion.
The fig tree parable evokes the image of a loving gardener who intercedes for the fruitless tree. In the same way, our Savior intercedes on our behalf, nurturing us through prayer, sacraments, and the support of our community. We are given another chance, not merely to avoid judgment but to embrace life abundantly. The heart of our Lenten journey is about turning back to God—realigning our lives according to His will, just as the gardener provides time and care for the fig tree to bear fruit.
This is a season of grace that invites us to deepen our relationship with God, so that we may experience His mercy and be transformed into fruitful witnesses of His love in the world.
May we heed the reminders of our scripture readings, approach the holy ground of our lives with open hearts and with reverence, and bear the fruit of repentance and renewal as we prepare for the joyful celebration of Easter.
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