Homily for March 3, 2013

Homily for 3^rd Lent C

My sisters and brothers, let us embraces the call to be productive citizens of the Kingdom of God! 

In our first reading today, we see God calling Moses to be his agent of deliverance for the people of Israel.  The expression: AI have come down,@ signifies an extraordinary divine intervention in human affairs.  Underlining this significance, this is the only passage in which God=s name is given to the individual being commissioned. 

I am who am: apparently this utterance is the source of the word Yahweh, the proper personal name of the God of Israel. It is commonly explained as God being the absolute source and grounding of all things.  Out of reverence for this name, the term Adonai, "my Lord," was later used as a substitute. The word LORD (in all capitals) is the way it is represented in most modern English translations.  The word "Jehovah" arose from a very early mistranslation of the expression Adonai.  

In our second reading, Paul uses some imagery from Exodus to illustrate that anyone can fall from the authentic path of life.  He urges the Corinthians to stay true, seeking from God  the grace they need to endure. 

In today=s gospel we hear Jesus urging his listeners to transform their life=s wile they still have the chance.  In short: ADo not take God or your eternal life for granted.@  Now is the time to be living a virtuous life because you cannot know when your life will be over.  Jesus has said that he will return to judge humankind at an unexpected time. Those who know of Christ=s coming and use what God gives wisely will be rewarded with God=s abundance. Those who know but do not prepare will be condemned. 

We read of two events where people died prematurely and unexpectedly: one group (Athe Galileans@) doing God=s will, killed intentionally by the Romans as they sacrifice to God in the Temple; the other group (Athose eighteen,@ possibly construction workers) killed accidentally when the tower fell.  In both cases, Jesus says that there is no link between early death and sin; however, these deaths do show the fate of those who fail to virtuous lives. 

In the parable of the fig tree, Jesus elaborates on his call for repentance.  The fig tree symbolizes some Jews, possibly the religious leaders who are not productive.  Jesus expects those who hear him to bear fruit, i.e., to use their talents, energy and resources not just for themselves but for God=s Kingdom. 

Another way to look at it is that  we are expected to be productive citizens of heaven.  Not slackers who just take up space.  Now this does not mean that we must all be as entrepreneurial as Paul, nor the kind of special agent of God that Moses was.  We must simply embrace our role, given by God, and put our time and talents into it, in a responsible and sensible manner. 

We use our talents not for our selves alone but for the Greater Good, as did Christ and the many heroes and herons of our faith.  If we knit, then knit not just for ourselves but for the greater good.  If we organize, or build, or clean up, or pray or whatever; we do so for the greater good of God=s Kingdom here on earth.