Exodus 3.1-8a,13-15 | 1 Corinthians 10.1-6,10-12 | Luke 13.1-9

With Mother Church, we begin the third week of Lent, a liturgical season of penance and conversion, preparing ourselves for the solemnity of Easter, the resurrection of Jesus.

Today, the evangelist Luke speaks to us about deaths by violence and fatality and the parable of the barren fig tree.

Jesus spoke to some people about the violent death of Galileans by the governor Pontius Pilate and also about the death of eighteen people when a tower fell in Siloam. Jesus assured them that these people who were killed were no greater sinners or more guilty than the others, saying that everyone would perish as they did if they did not convert.

Death is the only certainty we have in our lives. But worse than dying is not converting, losing our salvation and deserving condemnation.

Then Jesus told the parable of the barren fig tree. For three years, the owner of a fig tree searched of figs and found none. So he told his gardener to cut down the fig tree. The gardener asked the owner to wait one more year, promising to put fertilizer around the fig tree, in the hope that it would bear fruit. If it did not, then it would be cut down.

Humanity is the fig tree and its owner is God. Unfortunately, it has been barren, without bearing fruit, without fulfilling God's Will. Jesus is that gardener who puts fertilizer on the fig tree, with His preaching and testimonies, in the hope of the conversion of humanity.

The present time is that year of waiting. We cannot abuse

God's patience. Conversion is urgent, urgent. Our salvation depends on it. Let us take advantage of this Season of Lent.

Today the book of Exodus tells us about the famous episode of the burning bush, in which the Lord chose Moses to lead the liberation of the Hebrews from slavery in Egypt towards the promised land. The book speaks of the name of the Lord - "I am Who I am" - to be remembered through all generations.

The Lord sees the affliction of humanity, hears its cry, knows its sufferings, and comes down to free it. This happened through Moses and especially through Jesus, who saves us from our sins. Lent is a season to raise awareness, to seek social justice. May the Church be a partner in these initiatives of society.

Today, the apostle Paul speaks to us in his first letter to the Corinthians about the Hebrews who, despite having been freed from slavery in Egypt, did not conquer the promised land and died during the crossing of the desert, because they had displeased God.

In our journey from sin to grace, from earth to heaven, let us learn from this example of the Hebrews, without desiring evil things, without grumbling. Let us not be so self-confident, because we are human and, even when we are standing, we can fall. Let us be charitable to those who sin.

Local: Springfield, MA, EUA

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