First Reading: Exodus 3: 1 -8a, 13-15
Psalm 103
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-6;10-12
Gospel: Luke 13:1-9
For the forty days of Lent we are nourished with phrases and images; we are embraced and challenged with words of relationship and love; we are led to safe places, to holy ground, to a land flowing with milk and honey.
We have read, heard and prayed with these Lenten readings for many years and we have hoped to become converted, to become better Christians, more loving and forgiving.
Each day we come to the table of God and partake of the spiritual food, and spiritual drink gifted us by God.
Each day we ask God to forgive us our trespasses. Each day we ask, and each day we believe we are forgiven.
Each day, every day for well over 40-50-60 years we have read, heard and prayed the word of God.
Why is it that what touched my heart 40 years ago no longer touch my hardened heart?
Why is it that the poor, the hungry, the imprisoned touched my heart 40 years ago but no longer touch my hardened heart?
The parable in today’s Gospel offers us a suggestion. When the fig tree produced no fruit for three years, the owner wanted to cut it down. However, the gardener suggested he leave it for another year; he would cultivate the ground and fertilize it so it might bear fruit.
What must I do today to cultivate the soil around my hardened heart, to soften and enliven my spirit?
Let us pray for hearts open to embrace the poor, the hungry and the imprisoned!
Sister Ellenrita Purcaro, OP
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