Third Sunday of Lent Reflection

Since January 1st, 74 people have been killed in Chicago. In January, Southern California dealt with devastating wildfires that killed at least twenty-nine people and left thousands homeless. Recent tornadoes and other storms in March across six states killed forty-two people and blew several homes away. Ukraine is entering the third year of its war with Russia, and the cease-fire between Hamas and Israel has ended, leaving continued death and destruction in the Gaza Strip. One may cry out where God is in all this loss and devastation. Was their misfortune Karma? Did they deserve what happened to them? What about the innocent victims? Who is to blame?

​In the readings, God introduces Godself to Moses and invites him to lead the Israelites out of four hundred years of being enslaved to the Egyptians. God has heard the people’s cries and is ready to keep the promise made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Paul tells the Corinthians that while God is merciful and patient, we must do our part, repent, and strive to live sinless lives. In the gospel, Jesus reminds us of natural tragedies and accidents that kill or hurt people at random. It is not due to the guilt or innocence of the victims. Others, like wars, are due to the hardness of the hearts of those who started them. Both the righteous and the unrighteous are affected.

The important lesson is to ensure your heart is right with God. Conversion of the heart is key, so when these tragedies occur, we are prepared to stand in victory despite it. We hope that when God calls us home, we are ready. God invites us to be in a relationship with him and one another. The Psalmist tells us, “He pardons all your iniquities; He heals all your ills. He redeems your life from destruction; He crowns you with kindness and compassion. Merciful and gracious is the Lord, slow to anger and abounding in kindness.”  Use this time to recommit to your relationship with God and experience God's mercy and love for you.