Third Sunday of Lent 2001 

In the first reading today (Exodus 3:1-8, 13-15), God announces himself to Moses and through him, to us. God makes it clear that He created everything and we owe Him everything. 

In 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12, Paul calls for repentance, a change of our ways. He tells us the time is short. Paul anticipated the imminent end of the world but the message is relevant because we never know when the world will end for each of us, or maybe, when we will pass up the opportunity to change. 

The Gospel message gives us the story of what happens to a tree that does not bear fruit. It is removed to make a place for one that does. 

As Catholics, we often feel secure knowing that we are in God’s Church, His orchard. We recognize Him and know who He is. But maybe we are too comfortable being a shade tree in God’s orchard. God doesn’t need shade trees! He wants fruit trees that are productive in spreading His message to the world. We cannot hide His message in our hearts and think we are showing love for God.  

Lent is a time to wake up and start to live our faith. Let it show in everything we do. Let everyone we meet see that we believe and trust in God. It is not necessary to start preaching to everyone. All that is needed is to show what we believe by our actions, our love, our caring. 

Do it now because, as Paul tells us, time is short. We can and must do more and if we do, we will be fed and cultivated so that we become even more productive.

Don Plefka