3rd Sunday of Lent

03-07-2021Weekly ReflectionFr. Arul Doss

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,

As we continue our journey this season, on this third Sunday of Lent, we celebrate Christ the fullness of the Law and the wisdom of God. Today, we called to re-dedicate ourselves to Christ. This is because He is the fulfillment of God’s commandment. Christ cleanses the physical temple in Jerusalem of all that is not leading people to God. We ourselves must be cleansed of all that does not lead us to God.

The first reading today is from the Book of Exodus and gives us the commandments of the Lord. Knowing the commandments of the Lord and striving to live in our lives these commandments is one of the ways of being cleansed for God. The Book of Exodus makes it clear that God wants His People for Himself and is jealous in His love for us. This is a good jealousy that leads us to salvation and assures us that God is always there striving to love us and draw us to Himself. Lent is a wonderful time to reflect on our own responses to God’s love. First, we can always ask ourselves: Do I really believe that God loves me, just as I am right now? Do I believe that God is my ally in seeking to cleanse my life of all that impedes my relationship with God?

The second reading is from the First Letter to the Corinthians. Saint Paul is clear that he proclaims Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. We must believe that Jesus is fully human and fully God, that Jesus lived among us, that Jesus was crucified for us—and yes, Jesus rose from the dead for us. He died for us, but He rose for us as well, to show us that there is another life and that there is life after death and that we are all invited to share in this Divine Life.

Today’s section of the Gospel of Saint John reflects on the cleansing of the temple and shows us Jesus telling those who doubt Him: “Destroy this temple and I shall raise it up in three days.” Those around Him did not understand until after the Resurrection. Jesus spoke to His followers and to others with clarity, even when they could not yet understand what He was saying.

Do we listen to the Lord? Can we believe His words? Lent prepares us to celebrate the death and resurrection of the Lord when we have faith. Let us walk in the way of the Lord by following His commandments.

Have a happy and Blessed Sunday!!

Yours In Christ Jesus,
Fr. Doss