God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son; so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.

Today’s readings are pack full of action and adventure – you could almost write a musical!  But how would I incorporate Joseph and that amazing technicolor dream coat?  I’ll have to work on that.

Another day and another parable from Jesus designed to really upset the apple cart.  This parable really brings together the one from yesterday too, where Jesus uses this example…Then Abraham said, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.’”  So, instead of referring to Moses and the prophets today, he uses the reference of the servants being sent to “obtain his produce”.  And what happens to all of them – they are killed.  So God sends Jesus – his only Son – to obtain His produce and what happens to Jesus?

Are you thinking, hey, that is a great story, but that story happened millennia ago – what does that have anything to do with me?  Well, if you truly believe that Jesus rose from the dead and is still a viable man today, then it has everything to do with you/me/us.  Has God sent us messengers/prophets only to be killed today?  I think so – with so many people who are still willing to sacrifice their lives, even unto death, in proclaiming God’s message.  I also still believe that Jesus Himself is still being vilified by people who profess to be His followers…one needs to look no further than the priests/bishops and the abuse scandal rocking the Church today.

The Word of God is living and effective – as much today as it was when Jesus walked the earth so many years ago.  So don’t listen to the readings that are proclaimed everyday in Mass like something that took place in the past; listen to the Word of God being proclaimed to you and believe that His Word is still true today.  That is the whole purpose of Lent – for us to repent, turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel.

Do something great for our Lord today – renew your Lenten promises and spend some time reflecting on God’s living Word and what it means to you.

God’s will, not mine, be done.

Be not afraid; just have faith.

Jesus, I trust in You.

He must increase; I must decrease.

Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.

But you man of God chose righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience and gentleness.  Compete well for the faith.