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The Scripture readings for this Third Sunday of Lent draw a sharp contrast between the burning bush Moses encountered in the desert, and the fig tree Jesus describes in his parable. One is brimming with life. The other is alive but fruitless. Let us take a second look at the burning bush and barren the fig tree, and take to heart the message they convey. 

Lent is about acquiring the humility of Christ, who emptied himself of glory and offered himself on the Cross for the forgiveness of our sins.

Underneath all the striving, the effort, the anguish we are constantly looking for something more than human respect and material success can of themselves give us: We are in fact hoping to be loved and to love others in return. Love is the oxygen of human life and we are all hoping to breathe.

As we celebrate this anniversary, then, let us ask for two favors from Our Lord: First the grace of sincere repentance during this holy season of Lent, that we may experience a conversion and purification like that of Zacchaeus, and that we may gratefully receive absolution from our sins in the Sacrament of Penance.

This year’s celebration takes place during the Jubilee of Hope, a year set aside by Pope Francis to celebrate the hope we share in Christ Jesus. You, our jubilarians, and indeed of all the consecrated, are witnesses of hope.

So why do we have a parish? Because we believe with all our heart that God is real, and that we encounter the true and living God in Jesus Christ in whose death we are baptized, in whose power we are forgiven, by whose Sacrifice of self-giving love we are saved, by whose Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity we are nourished. Our forebears knew this, and we know it, and that is why we are here.

Discovering Christ. Following Christ. Sharing Christ. These are acts of hope made possible by the grace of the Holy Spirit and by the ministry of the Church. To see so many of you ready and willing to accept the call of Christ and his Church gives me joy beyond all telling.

We are credible witnesses to Christ only if we have a heart for the poor, and only if we ‘live in this passing world with our heart set on the world to come!’