Called to Repent and Bear Fruit: Reflections on the 3rd Sunday of Lent, Year C
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Lent is a sacred time of self-examination, humility, and renewal. The Third Sunday of Lent, Year C, invites us deeper into the mystery of repentance and God’s enduring mercy. Through this Sunday’s readings—Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15, 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12, and Luke 13:1-9—we are reminded that God does not abandon His people in their brokenness but calls them to a life of transformation and fruitfulness. Let’s journey through each of these passages and explore the powerful, interconnected themes they offer for our Lenten walk.
First Reading: Exodus 3:1–8a, 13–15
“I am who am.”
The first reading takes us into one of the most awe-inspiring moments in salvation history—Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush. In the wilderness, far from the power of Egypt, God reveals Himself not only as a deliverer but as the God who sees, hears, and acts.
God identifies Himself as “the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” This immediately establishes continuity between the promises made to the patriarchs and the liberation God is about to bring. When Moses asks for His name, God responds, “I AM WHO AM.” This mysterious yet deeply personal revelation reminds us that God is not distant. He is eternal, faithful, and actively present in our lives.
During Lent, many of us may feel like Moses—wandering in spiritual wilderness. Yet even there, God calls us. Just as Moses removed his sandals to stand on holy ground, we too are called to remove whatever barriers keep us from fully surrendering to God. He sees our affliction, hears our cries, and desires to lead us out of bondage—whether that be sin, despair, or complacency.
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1–6, 10–12
“Whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall.”
St. Paul offers a sobering reminder by drawing on the experiences of the Israelites during the Exodus. Although they were all guided by the same cloud, passed through the same sea, and received spiritual food and drink, many still fell into sin and disobedience.
Paul’s words caution us against spiritual pride. Merely participating in religious rituals or identifying as people of God isn’t enough. What God desires is our daily conversion. Lent isn’t about checking off boxes or giving up chocolate. It’s about deep, honest transformation of the heart.
This passage echoes Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father.” It reminds us to avoid presumption and instead walk in humble dependence on God’s grace.
Gospel: Luke 13:1–9
“Unless you repent, you will all perish as they did.”
In this striking Gospel passage, Jesus addresses a tragic event—a tower collapse that killed eighteen people—and uses it to challenge a common belief of His time: that calamity was a direct result of sin. Instead of pointing fingers, Jesus calls everyone to repentance.
He follows this with the parable of the barren fig tree. A man has waited patiently for fruit, and after three years, he’s ready to cut it down. But the gardener pleads: “Sir, leave it for this year also… it may bear fruit in the future.”
This parable encapsulates both God’s justice and His mercy. The fig tree had time, opportunity, and soil—yet produced nothing. How often do we receive grace after grace but fail to respond with action? Yet, the gardener’s plea gives us hope: God is patient. He gives us another chance. But the time is not indefinite. There is urgency.
This echoes 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise… but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
What Does It Mean for Us Today?
This Sunday’s readings call us to reflect on a few urgent questions:
- Are we bearing fruit in our spiritual lives—or merely taking up space?
- Do we presume on God’s grace, or do we respond to it with humility and action?
- Are we listening to God’s voice calling us from the “burning bush” moments in our lives?
Like Moses, we may doubt our worthiness or ability. But God equips those He calls. Like the Corinthians, we may fall into complacency. But Paul urges us to stay vigilant. And like the fig tree, we may not be where we need to be spiritually—but God’s mercy grants us another chance to grow.
A Call to Action
Lent is not just a season of reflection—it’s a season of decision and change.
Today, God is calling you by name—just as He called Moses. He is reminding you that His mercy is real, but so is the need to repent and bear fruit. Take a few minutes today in prayer. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas in your life where you’re not growing. Is there something you need to turn away from? Someone you need to forgive? A habit to uproot?
Then, take one small but deliberate step toward that transformation. Make time for confession. Read Scripture. Reach out to someone in need. Begin again. There’s still time.
And remember: you are the fig tree—and the gardener hasn’t given up on you.
Let’s walk together this Lent, not with fear, but with hope and purpose. God is still writing your story. Don’t waste the soil you’ve been given. Bear fruit—fruit that will last. (John 15:16)
