Third Sunday of Lent
Twice within the span of three verses in Luke chapter 13, Jesus makes this stunning statement: “But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!” (Lk 13: 3, 5). Coming from Luke, the evangelist who emphasizes the compassionate Jesus, this stern, John-the-Baptist-like warning does not fail to catch our attention. On this the third Sunday of Lent as we enter the middle of Lent, we are being reminded by Jesus that, integral to Lent, is deep rooted transformation. In other words, if at the end of Lent we remain the same persons that we were at the beginning of Lent, then perhaps we have missed an opportunity. Here are my three points for today:
- The Galileans Blood and The Tower at Siloam. Let me begin my first point by clarifying Luke’s reference to Pilate and the Galileans and the Tower of Siloam. Luke includes two gruesome details to emphasize the necessity for repentance. Luke writes that Pilate mixed the blood of Galileans with the blood of Roman sacrifices (Lk 13:2). The Galileans were a fanatical sect who revolted against the Romans. Pilate was ruthless towards those who incited revolt, but there is no historical data to suggest that he did so. Similarly, the Tower of Siloam, a city south of Jerusalem, was a structure that is supposed to have crushed 18 people and killed them (Lk 13:4). Again, only Luke makes any reference to it. Jesus says, that for those who do not repent, it will be worse than the Galileans or those who were crushed under the Tower of Siloam. If we conclude from this passage that Jesus was saying that God caused these tragic events as punishment for sin, then we are missing the point. Rather, the point that Jesus was making is that even though God is compassionate and merciful, repentance is necessary for salvation. Luke’s point is that Jesus came so the humanity would turn its heart toward God. Jesus came so that humanity may recognize that it was moving in the wrong direction. Jesus came, so that touched by the love and the mercy of God, humanity may discover her true calling. The real tragedy would be if humanity did not respond to God’s initiative in the person of Jesus Christ.
- The True Meaning of Repentance. What Does Repentance mean? We often associate repentance, with sin. Especially as Catholics, we associate repentance also with the Sacrament of Reconciliation. However, repentance is a broader movement in the person that also includes sin and forgiveness. Repentance, in its complete sense is a change of direction. The first reading today is a great example of repentance (Ex 3:1-15). Moses had fled Egypt out of fear for his life and settled in Midian. This great Egyptian administrator was content to take care of his father-in-law’s sheep. However, God was not finished with him yet. Moses’ burning bush experience sent him back to Egypt. Moses had to make a 180°turn and retrace his steps to Egypt where he would accomplish God’s will and lead and entire people to freedom. Now, this is repentance. Repentance is allowing God to transform us. Repentance is allowing God to mold into whatever God want to mold us into. Repentance is allowing God to send us wherever God wants to send us. Repentance is giving up control. Repentance is putting our absolute trust in the love and the compassion of God. This Lent, this is the kind of repentance Jesus is calling us to.
- God’s Patience and Mercy. In today’s gospel reading, Luke also makes a reference to the fig tree (Lk 13:6-9). The fig tree is the cause of much controversy in the Gospels. In the Gospels of Mark and Matthew, the out-of-season fig tree that did not have any fruits on it, was cursed by Jesus. That tree withered and died. There was no second chance for that tree. In the gospel of Luke, on the other hand, the tree gets more year to bear fruit (Lk 13:9). Luke’s Jesus is very patient with sinners. Luke’s God is a God of endless compassion. Luke’s God is as patient and compassionate with sinners as the father in the parable of the prodigal son (next Sunday’s gospel). The point, however, must not be missed. The call and the demand for repentance and transformation is integral to the Christian story. In fact, Jesus’ ministry in all the gospels begins with the call, “Repent and believe in the Gospel.” In other words, God mercy and compassion are unending and available at any time. However, unless we repent, God’s mercy cannot transform us. God does not cut us off, but, we can cut ourselves off by refusing the life-giving love, mercy, and compassion of God.
May this Eucharist be our "burning-bush experience." May it bring transformation and repentance!
Fr. Satish Joseph