Third Sunday of Lent (Luke 13:1-9)
This gospel reading contains material found in no other gospel which raises crucial questions about the justice of God and the need for repentance. We frequently hear about human suffering, suffering inflicted by other people or resulting from ‘natural disasters. Suffering and tragedy have always led to the question ‘Why me?’ The random nature of human suffering leads many to question the existence of a loving God. What Jesus makes clear in the first part of this gospel passage is that suffering is not necessarily brought about by sin. Those who suffered at the hands of Pilate and in the collapse of the tower of Siloam were no guiltier than their fellows. Jesus does not explain at this point the meaning of innocent suffering. He acknowledges that it is part of the human condition. The answer he will give will be seen on Calvary.
The second part of the gospel reading contains the parable of the fig tree. Whereas in the gospels of Matthew and Mark, Jesus is seen cursing the fig tree which carries no fruit (Mark chapter 11 and Matthew chapter 21), here in Luke Jesus uses a parable to make the same point., The fig tree symbolises the people and their lack of fruitfulness. The gardener makes his appeal, but we are not told the reply. We may presume that the fig tree was granted a reprieve, but for how many years?
How long do I wait before responding to the call of God, the call of conscience?
What consolation can a Christian offer in the face of innocent suffering?
We pray for, openness to learn from the words of Christ.
We pray for generosity in living out the gospel.
Fourth Sunday of Lent (Luke 15:1-3, 11-32)
The father welcomes back the return of his younger son with great extravagance. Nothing is too much to offer, such is God’s delight at the return of a sinner.
The contrasting attitude of the elder son is the main message of the parable, which is told for those who contest Jesus’ welcoming attitude to sinners (15:1-3). Perhaps the elder son has a reasonable grievance. Did the father never show gratitude to him for his commitment, his ‘slaving’? The words of the father to this elder son are truly healing words: ‘My son, you are with me always and all I have is yours.’
Do I have a welcoming attitude to those who seek God after going astray?
Would I, like the elder son, refuse to go in?
We pray for generous appreciation of the commitment of others.
We pray that we may have the humility to change our ways.
Fr Adrian Graffy