The God of Second Chances

March 23, 2025 Third Sunday of Lent
Daily Readings: Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15; 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12; Luke 13:1-9

The readings today invite us to reflect deeply on God’s patience, mercy, and the urgent call to repentance. They remind us that our time on earth is an opportunity for renewal—to turn back to God and bear fruit in our lives.

In the first reading from Exodus, we encounter Moses standing before the burning bush. It is a profound moment in which God reveals Himself as “I am Who I am”—a name that speaks of His eternal presence and unchanging nature. God is not distant; He sees the suffering of His people and comes to save them. But what is striking here is not only God’s revelation but also His choice. Moses, a man who fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian, is given a second chance. Despite his past failures, God calls him to lead His people to freedom.

Moses, once a fugitive, becomes a liberator. His life changed when he listened and responded to God’s call. Likewise, God calls each of us—despite our shortcomings—to turn away from sin and be part of His saving work. The burning bush reminds us that God’s presence transforms everything it touches—especially Moses' life, the fate of Israel, and our hearts when we allow Him in.

The second reading from 1 Corinthians serves as a warning. St. Paul recounts the journey of the Israelites in the desert—a people who experienced God’s miracles yet fell into sin. They had witnessed God’s power in the parting of the Red Sea and the manna from heaven, but many were still unfaithful. Paul reminds us that privilege does not guarantee salvation. We can be close to religious practices yet far from God in our hearts. His message is clear: learn from the past. Sin, when unchecked, leads to destruction. But even in warning, there is hope—God always provides an opportunity for repentance.

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus addresses a crucial issue: the need for repentance. He speaks of two tragic events—the Galileans killed by Pilate and those crushed by the tower of Siloam. His response is surprising. Instead of discussing why these tragedies happened, Jesus redirects the conversation to a personal examination: “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.”

Jesus challenges the idea that suffering is always a result of sin. Instead, He emphasizes that all require repentance. The parable of the barren fig tree that follows is powerful. The owner wants to cut it down because it bears no fruit, yet the gardener pleads for more time: “Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it and put on manure.” This image beautifully portrays God’s patience. The gardener represents Christ, who intercedes for us, giving us time to change, grow, and bear fruit.

But time is not unlimited. The parable reminds us that mercy has a purpose—to lead us to transformation. A fig tree is meant to bear fruit; if it does not, it fails its purpose. Likewise, our lives are meant to reflect God’s goodness through love, forgiveness, and good works.

These readings together present a compelling invitation: God sees us, calls us, and waits for us to respond. The burning bush moment comes to each of us—moments when God asks us to turn aside, listen, and follow. But like the fig tree, there is a limit to how long we can remain barren. Repentance is not merely about feeling sorry but about turning toward a new life of purpose in Christ.

Lent is our second chance—an opportunity for renewal, to let God cultivate our lives so that we may bear fruit. God’s mercy is abundant, but it calls for a response. Will we turn aside like Moses, listen, and follow the call? The time is now. God offers us this moment—a second chance to change, grow, and live fully in Him. Let us not waste it.

Call to Action for Catholic Living: Turn away from sin, seek reconciliation, and bear fruit through acts of love, mercy, and service. God is patient, but the time to respond is now—to answer His call and live a life transformed by His grace.