March 20, 2022 - Third Sunday of Lent

Third Sunday of Lent

We’ve all been innocent victims of bad things happening to us and to others.  In the course of our lives, we all have to deal with disappointments and losses, especially the loss of loved ones.  Any story of suffering can make us wonder about God.  The question is: will anyone listen, does anyone care, will anyone accept God’s invitation to go and help ease the suffering of others? 

Notice: the final image from today is of God as the gardener who refuses to give up and cut down the barren fig tree, even when the fig tree fails to produce fruit for three straight years.  This image suggests God is patient, kind, and merciful with us, even when we are suffering.  When we celebrate and receive the Eucharist at Mass, the Lord gives us the grace we need to sustain us in good times and bad, in winning seasons and losing seasons, in moments of joy and moments of suffering.  May our faith always be our light in the darkness of suffering.  For Christ is our spiritual rock, our very salvation!