3rd Sunday of Lent

March 7, 2010

Ex 3, 1-8.13-15
1 Cor 10, 1-6.10-12
Lk 13, 1-9

A story is told that during the earlier times in Vienna, Austria, there is a Church where a ruling family, the Hapsburgs, are buried. Every time a royal funeral happens the mourners will knock on the door of the Church to be allowed to get inside. The priest inside will ask, “Who is it?” The guard will reply, “The Emperor.” The priest will respond, “I do not know him.” For the second time they will knock and the priest will ask, “Who is it?” The funeral guard will say, “The highest emperor!” The priest will answer, “I do not know him.” Finally, the guard will knock and say, “A poor sinner, your brother.” Then they will be allowed to enter the Church.

In the gospel of today the Lord is inviting us to repent and acknowledge our sinfulness. Nobody can claim that he is better than others. In the eyes of God all of us have our imperfections and we need his mercy. Salvation is possible for those individuals who are humble enough to accept their shortcomings. We must remember that nobody among us earns heaven because of his personal merits. We have access to eternal life because of Jesus’ passion, death and Resurrection.

Our life on earth as followers of Jesus is a journey from pride to humility. God has no room in our life as His witnesses when we are too full of ourselves. His loving grace is working in us when we undergo self-emptying. When we are too proud God cannot manifest the totality of himself living in us.

The Word in Other Words