Joshua 5:9-12 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 Luke 15:1-3,11-32

As the Israelites prepared to enter the Promised Land they remembered how God freed them from slavery and provided for them. In the second reading, Paul calls the Corinthians to live out their new life in Christ through a ministry of reconciliation. In the Gospel, God’s mercy and love are shown in the parable of the prodigal son.

As Christians, we are to live a life that fosters reconciliation and love. Through faith in Jesus and unity with him in Baptism, we have been reconciled with God. We can share this gift with others by proclaiming the presence and power of God’s reconciling love, and by being merciful and compassionate ourselves.

Exodus 3:1-8,13-15 1 Corinthians 10:1-6,10-12 Luke 13:1-9

The first reading tells of God’s appearance to Moses at the burning bush. God says he is to be know as “I AM. In the second reading, Paul tells us that we are to learn from our ancestors in faith and be true to God. The Gospel uses the parable of the barren fig tree to teach a lesson on the depths of God’s mercy, love and forgiveness.

One of the constant themes of the season of Lent is the opportunity for all to repent and return to the Lord. In the Gospel for the Third Sunday of Lent, Jesus gives us a parable about giving a fig tree yet another chance. We recognize that the Lord is truly kind and merciful, but it is up to us to repent and return to him.