'These things happened as examples for us, so that we might not desire evil things, as they did'

Today's readings: exodus 3:1-8,13-15; 1 Corinthians 10:1-6,10-12; luke 13:1-9

I love how these 3 stories weave together. 

God sent moses to tell the israelites that god has heard their cries and is answering.  it is also here that we are reminded that god is a living and active god (I Am).  we know from other passages that moses is not the most eloquent or best suited to be the messenger, yet god (in his infinite wisdom) has asked moses to play this part.  it is a great reminder that when we ask god for something, we must believe that he is answering.  it may not be the way we are expecting, but it is going to be the best way for us to see him more fully and show others who he is.

Then we have the letters to the Corinthians. Paul tells us that the actions of the Israelites in the desert should be an example. They were all protected by God, yet they complained and lost trust in God...and because of that they died in the desert. History does seem to repeat itself. :) It ends very boldly...if you think you are secure then you should be careful that you don't fall. How many times do we think that we are 'safe'...whether if that is because we call ourselves Christian, or of some virtuous acts we do, or how kind we are toward others, or any other way that makes us feel that we have a steady footing on life. That is a good place to be. But, you have to be careful! Because once you forget God in that comfort...that 'solid' place is no longer solid. St. Paul is warning us that our life can never become stagnant...we have to continue to work if we desire to have a steady life.

Then Jesus tells us a parable of a fig tree that is not producing. The owner wanted to get rid of it, but the gardener advocated on behalf of the tree and asked for the owner’s patience while the gardener tended to it a little more purposeful.

There are many gardeners in our lives: the biggest is Christ.  But we also have the Pope, priests, teachers, spouses, friends, coworkers, family and ourselves. It is important that we are letting the soil of our faith be nurtured. 

Discipline and consistency are important qualities. We have to remember that just as it takes tilling the soil to grow plants...our souls must be tilled to allow our faith to grow.

And that is what all three of these passages are about. We have called out to God to help us in our time of need (and always hopefully), and he responds. It is necessary that through faith we respond back with accepting, with trust and joy, the many ways that our faith is matured. But, we have to have a continued watch on our pride and ego so that the foundation that Christ is helping to mold and strengthen will not crumble beneath us.

 

As we begin another week of Lent...another week of work/school...another week combating the temptations around us-let us boldly renew our commitment to Christ. It takes energy and determination...but it is worth the investment!