Dear Parishioners and Friends,

During this third week of Lent, the Church presents us with powerful images of God’s mercy and the urgency of genuine conversion. Our readings remind us that the Lord hears the cries of His people, calls us to a more profound knowledge of His holiness, and invites us to turn away from sin so that we may bear abundant fruit.

Our First Reading (Exodus 3:1–8, 13–15), recounts Moses encountering God in the burning bush. This miraculous sign teaches us two key lessons. First, the Lord is utterly holy, Moses must remove his sandals, for he stands on sacred ground. Second, God is profoundly compassionate, He has heard the suffering of His people enslaved in Egypt and resolves to set them free. In the ancient world, divine names were understood to reveal a god’s character and authority. When the Lord declares His name as “I AM WHO I AM,” He discloses a mystery far beyond human comprehension. Yet He also assures Moses, and all who suffer, that He is intimately involved in the plight of His children. In an age where many seek to explain suffering by purely human or social means, God’s revelation in Exodus affirms that He is both transcendent and near. He invites us to recognise His presence in our trials, trusting that He still acts to bring liberation and renewal, even when circumstances seem insurmountable.

St Paul, writing to the Corinthian community (1 Corinthians 10:1–6, 10–12), cautions against complacency. He points to the experience of the Israelites, who witnessed God’s saving deeds yet failed to remain faithful. Paul exhorts believers to learn from this sobering history: divine blessings do not guarantee perseverance unless one continues to respond with faith and obedience. In a society that prizes instant gratification and convenience, we might be tempted to take God’s grace for granted. Paul’s words challenge us to remain vigilant, recognising that spiritual indifference can creep into our lives if we neglect prayer, the Sacraments or works of charity. Lent offers an opportunity to rekindle our devotion and to stand firm in the freedom Christ has won for us.

In the Gospel (Luke 13:1–9), Jesus confronts a question about recent tragedies. He insists that these events should prompt us to consider our own need for repentance rather than judging others. To underline this invitation to conversion, He presents the parable of the barren fig tree – a story that emphasises God’s patience but also the reality that time is not limitless. For Luke’s community, the memory of upheaval and suffering was keenly felt. Jesus’ teaching reframes such hardships, reminding listeners that the true disaster is remaining unrepentant. The fig tree is given a final chance to bear fruit, highlighting God’s mercy yet also His expectation that we live according to His will.

Reflecting on Our Own Lives: Rather than blaming the world’s troubles on others or external factors, we are called to examine our hearts. What areas in our personal or communal life still need repentance and transformation?

Responding to God’s Patience: This Lenten season is a grace-filled time to embrace the Sacrament of Reconciliation, repair broken relationships and commit ourselves anew to a life of prayer and service. Let us not delay when God lovingly awaits our return.

As we continue our Lenten journey, let us allow the message of these readings to penetrate our hearts. Like Moses, may we stand humbly before the Lord, open to His holiness and compassion. Like St Paul’s Corinthians, may we heed the cautionary lessons of the past, remaining steadfast in faith and love. And finally, like the barren fig tree in Jesus’ parable, may we accept this renewed opportunity for repentance, trusting in God’s unending patience and mercy. In a society that often encourages self-reliance and immediate solutions, we proclaim a God whose power is revealed in mystery, whose holiness is encountered in simple faith, and whose invitation to repentance endures. Let this Lent be a time of transformation, so that at Easter we may rejoice in the fullness of life that He promises to all who turn to Him in sincerity and trust. Amen.