First Reading:  Exodus 3:1-8A, 13-15 Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 103 Second Reading:1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12 Gospel: Luke 13:1-9

The third Sunday of Lent Reflection is by, Vincent Opiyo SJ Jesuit scholastic in regency at Radio Kwizera, Ngara, Tanzania

Lent is a time of not only prayer, fasting and almsgiving but also conversion. In fact, the three pillars of lent are sandwiched by this grace of conversion. That after fasting in prayer, we should repent, effectively, convert. It’s a converted soul that rejoices in the Lord – that gives thanks in manifestation of this joy that the Lord has granted – that makes the just decisions.

On this Sunday, the readings invite us to take the right risk in life, bet it at our places of work or apostolates. In the first reading from the book of Exodus, Moses is astonished at seeing the burning bush that was not consumed. In his initial conversations with God, he hesitates to dispose himself to the call, because of this bewilderment and doubts. Further, he is reluctant to heed to the call because of his physical and perhaps spiritual disposition – “and Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God” (Cf. Ex 3:6) – he was unsure of who he was conversing with, “I AM WHO I AM” so he feels is not satisfactory. But deep within this startling name, is the risk, that right risk that Moses took to do what God had instructed him to, that is, to save his people from the affliction of the Egyptians and the rest of course is history.

Brethren, this is the right risk that today’s reflection invites us to take during this Lenten season. Just like Moses, many a times, we are hindered by our physical and spiritual flaws. We are either reluctant or unsure of hearing that “still small voice” (cf. I Kings 19:12) of God to convert and do the just deeds. The Psalmist underlines that a God guided soul does just deeds, it gives full justice to all who are oppressed (cf. Ps 103:6-7).

At our apostolates, at times we are afraid and reluctant to take just actions, because of worldly fears, and doubts. We need to believe that it’s the spirit of God guiding us to do justice. To undertake this call, first, we need to trust in God’s guidance and secondly trust ourselves. Importantly, we need to ask for the grace of patience in order not to be swayed by worldly rushes against time. Today’s gospel recapitulates this with the parable of the vinedresser who asks his master to be patient at least for a year so as to get fruits from his fig tree. This was the right risk, to wait and see…but after making the just decision.

Let’s pray during this Lenten season for the grace of discernment, the grace of patience so that the choices we make in life may be guided by the spirit of God, that they may be just. For the times we have failed to heed this call, let us return to our compassionate and gracious God, one who forgives all our sins and heals every one of his ills and repent.

Amen.