HOMILY OF 3RD SUNDAY OF LENT — YEAR C

HOMILY OF 3RD SUNDAY OF LENT — YEAR C

HOMILY THEME: THE SECOND CHANCE

BY: Fr Peter Gabriel Okon

Exodus 3:1-8.13-15, 1 Corinthians 10:1-6.10-12, Luke 13:1-9

The readings of the 3rd Sunday of Lent invite us to reflect on God’s loving compassion, patience with us, and His unwavering desire to save us. This calls us to examine our relationship with Him, especially our response to the call to repentance.

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The first reading narrates the call of Moses. Here, I would like us to pay attention to two key details; 1) the burning bush and, 2) the name of God: I AM WHO I AM. The angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in the flame of fire out of the midst of the bush; and he looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed (Ex 3:2). The burning bush is a profound and powerful symbol of God’s holiness, presence and nearness to us in everyday events, yet remains a mystery.

However, for several reasons Moses was afraid of the mission to Egypt, the obvious one being that he might be killed given his antecedent. But God assured him that those who sought his death are no more. Moses needed further assurance, a kind of authorization when the people demanded to know who has sent him, then God responded: “I AM WHO I AM”. This is an assurance to us today, that whenever we speak in God’s name as His messenger, He will definitely honour His name and grant to us what we seek. God’s name is the key that unlocks every doors. Again “I AM WHO I AM” is a reminder that God is eternal and unchanging.

The responsorial Psalm “The Lord is compassionate and gracious”, slow to anger and rich in mercy, further speaks of God’s immense love and patience with us, which we must never take for granted. Rather this loving patience of God should challenge us to quicken our steps towards repentance and reconciliation.

In the second reading, St Paul reminds the Corinthians of the experiences of the Israelites in the wilderness and thus admonished them and us today against complacency and sin. Despite the many blessings and favours enjoyed by the Israelites, some of them still disobeyed God and so faced divine wrath. This is to warn us that we must truly repent to be saved. We have to watch against spiritual pride, self-reliance or laxity. We are to rely on God’s grace, remaining sober, humble and watchful at all times.

Today’s Gospel narrative is in two connected parts. The first part, Luke 13:1-5 pictures very tragic and unexpected deaths which comes as a warning to us on the urgency of repentance. Jesus’ message on the account of these events is very clear and straight to the heart: “ unless you repent you will all perish” (Luke 13:5). This is not to frighten anyone, but rather to encourage us to be intentional and sincere about following Jesus. Our salvation must be prioritize. For this reason God is patient with us, but for how long? The second part, Luke 13:6-9 is the parable of the fig tree, which further highlights God’s compassion and patience with us to bear fruit, granting us a second chance to show our commitment and sincere response to the gospel of repentance.

Dearly beloved, Lent is a time to be renewed spiritually, a time to recover our spiritual freedom, to be drawn nearer to God, who is always present to us in simple and everyday experiences of life. The concept or idea of a second chance implies an ultimatum, that is, a last opportunity to make a difference. For us Christians everyday is a prove of Gods love and a fresh opportunity to make a difference. It might be the last chance we have to repent and live. This lent might be the last for anyone of us, so we have to make the best out of it by reconciling ourselves with God and with one another. This is our second chance, and it might be the last as well, repent and be fruitful.

May the compassionate God, grant us the grace and willingness to embrace the opportunities offered us this Lenten Season to truly repent and bear fruit to be saved through Christ our Lord Amen.

Wishing you a blessed Sunday.

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