The Scripture readings for the third Sunday of Lent (Year C), advances a belief that one can have a personal relationship with the Divine.
Moses sees a bush burning but is not being consumed. He is curious. He moves closer.
He hears a voice call his name “Moses”. To hear one’s name is to believe that one is known. The voice warns Moses that he treads on holy ground and is to remove his shoes.
During this intimate encounter Moses learns his mission in life and learns the name of the Master pursuing him, “I AM, WHO I AM”. This Divine voice identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.
The personal relationship established in this encounter will require trust and faithful obedience if it is to continue. God reveals Himself to Moses; the encounter begins with simple curiosity but evolves into an extraordinary exchange with the Divine. Moses must now have a heart that remains humble and faithful to God.
In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus tells the story of another tree-the fig tree that is not bearing fruit. In his parable, the owner of the vineyard wants to cut down the fig tree, but a compassionate gardener pleads for more time to nurture it before cutting the tree down.
Everything is being done to bring the tree to the fulfilment of its purpose for being that is, to bear fruit. The owner of the vineyard grants one more year of life to the fig tree. Jesus is teaching a lesson of mercy to his disciples. By gratefully receiving the mercy of the owner of the vineyard and accepting the compassionate care of the gardener the fig tree is given extra time to bear fruit. In a personal relationship with the Divine each is given the gift of mercy and time to bear good fruit.
Now is there a tree in your life that can pique your curiosity and draw you into an extraordinary relationship with the Divine?
-Sister Elaine Cole, CSJ
Images: Unsplash: Andy Watkins/Michal Hlaváč/
