CALLED TO BECOME A “BURNING BUSH”

Third Sunday of Lent

Ex 3:1-8a,13-15 / Ps 103 / 1 Cor 10:1-6,10-12 / Lk 13: 1-9

We are living today in a culture of accumulation. Since our desires are insatiable, then, every day we ask for more. We look for more. We want more! Since others want more food, then, they prefer a buffet than a value meal. Since others want more fun and excitement in their married life, then, they prefer to have an extra or more husbands and wives. Since others want to be more “confidently beautiful by the heart,” then, they accumulate more beauty products from facial cream to whitening soaps. Kung pwede lang sana gamitin ang muriatic acid sa mukha, matagal na itong ubos sa mga supermarkets. Since our wants never subside, every day we accumulate more and more.

In our first reading today, while Moses was tending the flock, he saw a bush though burning was not consumed. Upon closer look, it was God speaking to him through that burning bush about His plan of saving the Israelites out from the slavery in Egypt. In our Gospel, Jesus tells us of a parable about the fig tree that has been without fruit for three years already. Since the owner found nothing, the gardener requested to give him another year to cultivate the tree so that it may bear fruit in the future.

The two images presented in our two readings today remind us of two realities in life today. Some of us are like the burning bush. Despite the fire of pain and suffering we have to go through in life, we continue to give light to others. We continue to be of service to others. However, some of us are like the fig tree. Since every day we wake up with a lot of problems, then, we become unproductive. All that we do is to accumulate all for ourselves.

My dear friends, as Christians, we are called to become like the burning bush; that despite the fire, it continues to give light and is never consumed. Despite our pain and suffering, we continue to be active and  productive for others. Let us not be like the fig tree that has been barren for three years. Let us not believe on the saying, “if you can’t beat them, join them.” Let us not succumb to the evils of the world and simply say, “what can we do?” Let us produce good works so that we can introduce the truth of God in our world today.

This is the purpose of the season of Lent – that we fix our gaze to the Crucified Lord. Yes, if we look at the cross, we see a body heavily bruised and wounded. However, do not also forget, that every time we look at the cross, we are reminded of that scene on Calvary. Despite the agonizing pain and suffering, Christ produced forgiveness by pardoning those who mocked at him. “Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Despite the agonizing pain and suffering, Christ produced heaven by assuring the repentant thief, “Today, you will be with me in Paradise.”

My dear friends, the Galileans in our Gospel today died not because they were greater sinners than the rest but because of Pilate’s malice. The Jerusalemites at the fall of the tower of Siloam died not because they were greater sinners than the rest but simply because they were at the wrong place and at the wrong time. The parable of the barren fig tree, however, tells us that to be inactive and unproductive in our Christians lives is the “greater sin.”

GMA’s Pinoy Abroad once narrated to us the story of Emy who was a domestic helper. After sometime, she was diagnosed to have suffered from a very serious illness. Upon knowing about her wife’s sickly condition abroad, the husband, who was in the Philippines, left Emy for good. And so, her two children were left to the care of her mother. Despite her sickness and family condition, Emy until today continues to work abroad. Despite her sickness, she continues to send some of her income to her children. Despite her sickness, she continues to produce hope and love.

How about us? How about you? Are you a “burning bush” who produces life despite the fire? Or are you like a “fig tree” who remains unproductive and inactive? We are here on this world not in order to accumulate all for ourselves but to produce good works of faith, hope, and love. Amen.