3RD SUNDAY IN LENT, YEAR A

Exodus 17:3-7

Romans 5:1-2,5-8

John 4:5-42 

THE SAMARITAN WOMAN AND THE LIFE-GIVING WATER

In today’s readings, the dominant image is water, which makes us think of baptism. Therefore, it is of no wonder that John’s narration about the Samaritan woman’s encounter with Jesus at the well is proposed to us on this third Sunday of Lent. On this Sunday, the first “Scrutinies” for the catechumens who will be baptized on Holy Saturday take place. The powerful dialogue between Jesus and the Samaritan woman is one of the most lengthy but interesting passages in John’s gospel narrative and pregnant with many theological themes. 

The story begins by Jesus showing himself as a person in need: tired and thirsty. Then, the conversation moves to its high point when Jesus reveals himself to the woman as the Messiah. And it ends with Jesus bringing the whole town to faith in him. The point of departure is “the gift of God”, imaged as water, living water that becomes in the one who drinks it “a spring of living water welling up to eternal life.” Here, the relation to the Holy Spirit who gives life is undeniable (cf. John 7:37-39). As such, St Paul tells us in the second reading: “the love of God has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.”

In fact, the Samaritan woman represents each one of us, our existential dissatisfaction and our unceasing search for fulfillment and true happiness in life. As her encounter with Jesus changed her life, so also our personal encounter with Jesus and our openness to him can change marvelously our lives. For he knows our story; he knows our struggles, and he is the only One who can satisfy our deepest aspirations and rejuvenate our soul. 

Moreover, as the story about the “Massah and Meribah experience” teaches us, our difficulties, trials and struggles can make us become impatient and lose faith in God. The water from the rock became the symbol of relief and the manifestation of God’s presence and love to the wandering and thirsty Israelites in the desert. In this Lenten Season, let us pause and recall the wonderful and great things God has done in our lives. Let us ponder on his infinite love manifested in Jesus who died for us while we were still sinners. Like the Samaritan woman, let us open our hearts so as to be filled with the life-giving and healing water of Jesus. Amen

SECOND SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR A

Genesis 12:1-4

Psalm 33

2 Timothy 1:8-10

Matthew 17:1-9

 

OUR WAY TO OUR TRANSFIGURATION

 

Usually, the story of the transfiguration is proclaimed on the second Sunday of Lent. Situating this event in its context may be enlightening. In effect, the Transfiguration was preceded by two events. First, the exiting moment of Peter’s confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God (Matt. 16:16). Second, the shocking prediction of Jesus’ sufferings, death and resurrection (Matt. 16:21). Then comes the wonderful experience of the Transfiguration.

 

While he was praying on a high mountain in the presence of Peter, James and John, Jesus was transfigured; his face shone like the sun and his clothes became white as light. And suddenly, Moses and Elijah appeared and conversed with him. Then, a cloud cast a shadow over them, and from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him” (Matt. 17:1-9). 

 

The transfiguration was therefore to strengthen the faith of the disciples and teach them that after his suffering and death, glory will be his, for there would be no Easter Sunday without Good Friday. As such, the message of the Transfiguration is addressed to us today, for on our journey of life, sufferings and crosses are inevitable. Illnesses and troubles and disappointments are our lot. And like Abraham whom God asked to leave his father’s house to a land he did not know, we too are invited sometimes to make risky, nonsensical moves trusting in God who is always faithful.

 

Like Timothy in the second reading, we are exhorted to bear our share of hardship for the gospel with the strength that comes from God. He has saved and called us for his own design so as we may share in his own glory. Thus, in spite of the awful and trying moments we may have to experience, the crosses we may have to bear, the trials and difficulties we may have to go through, one thing is sure: God is leading us to glory.

Yes, our faces may be disfigured because of pain and tears; but if we allow Jesus to encounter us in prayer, in the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and confession, etc. our faces will surely be transfigured like his. May he help us to focus on the crown instead of the cross, and always remember that no cross, no crown.

FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT, YEAR A

Genesis 2:7-9; 3:1-7

Romans 5:12-19

Matthew 4:1-11

TEMPTED AND YET NOT DEFILED!

Lent is here again! Lent is a period to deepen our relationship with God through prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It is a time of renewal, penance and conversion, a time to start afresh. Traditionally, the gospel of the first Sunday of Lent speaks of the temptation of Jesus (Matt. 4:1-11). Jesus’ overcoming the devil’s triple temptation does not only anticipate his victory over sin and death through his Passion, death and resurrection, but also constitutes an example to us. For there are many temptations that await us during this season of grace. But just as Jesus resisted the devil, we too should not give in to the solicitations of the devil.

In fact, there is a striking contrast between Jesus in the Gospel and our first parents in the Garden of Eden as narrated in the first reading. Thus, the second reading comes as a kind of synthesis for the two:  it was the fall of Adam and Eve which brought about the coming of Jesus to restore our relationship with God. For just as one man’s fall and disobedience led all to sin and condemnation, so also the obedience of one man has brought life and justification to all.

The story of Jesus’ temptation has much to teach us. First, no one can escape temptation. Temptation is everywhere and has no respect for status or position. Temptation is always related to common human attractions, needs and desires such as food, pleasure, power and fame. Second, the devil tempts us on our weakest point and can easily seduce us to fall into his traps. He comes under the guise of some kind of goodness.  But his real intention is to separate us from God, to make us rebel against God who is Love. 

Third, to be able to resist the devil, we must counter him firmly with the Word of God. It is not simply reciting bible verses, but being deeply rooted in God’s Word and allowing it to transform us. Lastly, when we are tempted, we have a choice to make, depending on whether we know our identity and mission as Christians or not. Jesus was able to withstand the devil because he knew his identity and mission. May he help us to resist temptations that may come our way especially during this season of grace. Amen

ASH WEDNESDAY

Joel 2:12-18

Psalm 51

2 Corinthians 5:20—6:2

Matthew 6:1-6.16-18

ASH WEDNESDAY

Today marks the beginning of 40 days journey: the Lenten Season. Lent is a period of spiritual discipline and conversion, which culminates in the celebration of the Holy Week. In his merciful love, God calls us to return to him. For He is tenderness and compassion, slow in anger and rich in love (Joel 2:12-18). For St Paul, this is the favourable time; this is the day of salvation. We must be reconciled with God and open ourselves to his grace (1Co. 5:20-6:2). In the gospel reading, the three traditional practices are presented to us: fasting, prayer, and almsgiving. These must be done in discretion, for God who sees all that is done in secret will reward us (Matt. 6:1-6.16-18).

Moreover, today’s liturgy is marked by the blessing and giving of ashes. In effect, in the Old Testament ashes signify remorse for sins and repentance. To cover oneself with ashes was the external expression of repentance and conversion: “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” They are also symbol of man’s nothingness, frailty and mortality: “Remember, man, you are dust and to dust you shall return.” They are also expression of man’s sorrow in the midst of suffering but also of hope in God’s mercy.

In chemistry too, ashes are signs that an irreversible change of chemical has taken place. Thus, we must change for the better, change our sinful ways of life and put on the new self, created in the image of Christ (Eph. 4:24). Besides, ashes are used as fertilizers in agriculture. Meanwhile, fertilizers are symbol of growth. This way, the Lenten season is an opportunity for us to grow in our relationship with the Lord and bear abundant fruit. We must nourish our souls with prayer, meditation on the Word of God, and with the Sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession. 

Finally, ashes are used in washing or cleansing utensils. These domestic usages remind us of our need to cleanse ourselves from our sins: “Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” (Ps 51:2). Let us, therefore, make use of the Sacrament of confession to avail ourselves to the abundant mercy and forgiveness of God. May the Lord bless and keep all of us. Amen 

I wish you all a fruitful Lenten Season.