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.

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.

The first reading gives an account of God’s covenant with Abram. In the second reading, Paul encourages his listeners to put their trust in Jesus, rather than earthly things. In the Gospel, Jesus

is transfigured before three of his Apostles. A voice from the cloud told them they were to listen

to Jesus, God’s Son.

Living in a time of great uncertainty, people are searching for something or someone to rely on to help them cope with life’s trials. What is needed is an eye-opening experience, such as the Apostles when they saw Jesus transfigured. Mindful of this, let our lives help open people’s eyes to realize that in Christ our future is secure.

FASTING is to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday by all Catholics who are 18 years of age but not yet 59.  Those who are bound by this may eat only one full meal.  Two smaller meals are permitted if necessary to maintain strength according to one’s needs, but eating solid food between meals is not permitted.

PUBLIC PRAYER OPPORTUNITIES

Daily Mass (see bulletin for time)

Morning Prayer:  Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday at 8:00 AM

Holy Hour on Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 PM

Stations of the Cross on Tuesdays at 7:00 PM

The first reading recalls the love with which God cared for his people from ancient times. Moses instructs the Israelites how to show God their gratitude. In the second reading, Paul teaches that all who believe in Jesus and follow his teachings will be saved. The Gospel tells of the temptations

Jesus experienced in the desert.

On this first Sunday of Lent, the Church reminds us that the devil is powerful and bold, appearing to have much to offer. Jesus, however, shows us that God has even more, and that God’s love has been shown throughout the ages. During this Lent, let us focus our hearts on God’s love, as we strive to live more fully according to his will.

In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah proclaims that the lord will bless those who trust in him, but those who turn from the Lord will be cursed. In the second reading, Paul teaches that Christ’s Resurrection assures us that we also will be raised. In the Gospel, Jesus promises a heavenly re-

ward for those who live out the Beatitudes.

The promise of a better life after death is never an excuse to fail to work for the building up of God’s Kingdom here on earth. Christ’s followers have an obligation to be about the work of the Kingdom. We do this through our love and humble service to God and our neighbor.

In the first reading, Isaiah has a vision in which his mouth is purified by an angel touching his lips with a burning ember. In the second reading, Paul calls himself the least of the Apostles, but is ef-

fective due to God’s grace. The Gospel tells of Jesus calling Peter and others to be his disciples, telling them they will be catching men instead of fish.

Many of God’s prophets and the most trusted disciples of Jesus considered themselves unworthy to be chosen to do God’s work. So, too, our failures loom in front of us as we wonder why God has called us. However, it is not our worthiness that matters, but God’s grace and mercy and our willingness to say yes to him.

This weekend we hear God call Jeremiah to be his prophet. God promises to make him strong against all who oppose him. Paul teaches us about God’s greatest gift – the gift of love. In the Gospel, Jesus preaches in his home territory. He reminds his Jewish listeners that God has shown his power and mercy toward the Gentiles, as well as the Jews.

We can never fully comprehend the ways of God. He calls people to ministry who seem to be unlikely candidates. Jeremiah was young, Paul was a vigorous opponent of the early Church, and even Jesus was rejected by many in his hometown. In Baptism, we, too, are called to ministry. We must heed that call and work to live it out.

In the first reading, Ezra reads the Law to the people, who are told to rejoice. And in the second reading, Paul teaches that all are members of Christ’s body & are necessary to the Lord’s purpose. In the Gospel, Jesus claimed to be the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. He did this in the synagogue in Nazareth.

Our readings today help us recognize that the proclamation of the word of God is integral to the Church’s liturgical celebrations. This is because the lessons that our Scripture readings offer are foundational to our way of life, and surely will impact how we, in turn, share Christ’s message with the rest of the world.

In the first reading, Isaiah encourages the people of Israel. God will rejoice in Jerusalem, just as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride. In the second reading, Paul reminds us of all the gifts at our disposal to build up the Kingdom of God. In the Gospel, we hear the account of Jesus changing water to wine at the wedding feast of Cana.

The first miracle recorded in John’s Gospel is that of Jesus changing water into wine. This event is rich in imagery and meaning. The words of the Blessed Virgin Mary to the servants regarding her son, Do whatever he tells you, reminds us that we are to serve God by humbly using our gifts and talents to build up his Kingdom.