Third Sunday in Lent - March 23, 2025

Third Sunday in Lent 

March 23, 2025

                                                                      

At that very time there were some present who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them--do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did." Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?' He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'" Luke 13:1-9

This is the time of year when I get very itchy to start planting although I know it is too soon. Instead, I get things prepared, choosing what we might plant this year, getting seeds from my tribe and preparing the beds for the coming plants and seeds. Before you think I am a good gardener, think again. I'm at best enthusiastic, with many fails and mistakes. My grandfather WalkingStick was a great gardener, but I have inherited very little of his skill or knowledge. Yet, every gardener wants their plants to thrive and will do everything possible to bring forth fruit. So, if we imperfect human gardeners are willing to do everything we can, how much more so will God do for us?

Wondrous Creator, you bring life and renewal

to the cold hard frosted grounds of winter

and turn them into bed of nourishment and hope.

Lord, let your love be sown deep in these challenging times.

We see the desolation around us and give up

aching to turn our backs on the world and burn it

wishing we had never even tried to bring new life.

Lord, let your love be sown deep in these challenging times.

You, O Lord of abundance and generous harvest

never give up on the worst sinners and dormant ones

and are always extending your grace to the hopeless.

Lord, let your love be sown deep in these challenging times.

Plant us deep this season and give us the strength

to produce good fruit in harsh and scary times.

Lord, let your love be sown deep in these challenging times.

We are weak and want to hide from the labor

make us strong enough to spread your compassion.

Lord, let your love be sown deep in these challenging times.

Use us to let this world know that love will conquer

for you, O Lord, give us what we need to thrive here. 

Lord, let your love be sown deep in these challenging times. Amen.