God hears our Cries and Calls. What is my Response?

In this 3rd Sunday of Lent, we are called to repentance and faith. In today's 1st reading, God sees the suffering of His people and hears their cry. God promises to deliver His people out of slavery and asks Moses to lead them. Moses has faith and answers God's call.In the 2nd reading, Paul reminds the Corinthians not to fall into sin but to remain faithful and heed God's warnings.The Gospel today highlights our very human response to suffering and tragedy. We often ask how God allows suffering, why innocent people must suffer, and whether this is a punishment from God for past wrongs.These were the same questions asked of Jesus, who teaches the people that tragedy should lead us to repentance rather than self-righteous judgment. Jesus uses the parable of the barren fig tree to illustrate that God is patient, and waits for us to repent, but we should do so before it is too late. While we cannot explain suffering, we are asked to walk with those who are suffering and accompany them on their journey.Fr Gerard reminds us about Pope Francis' Lenten message for this Jubilee year: that we are pilgrims walking together on this journey of life and faith. This Lent, we are challenged to walk side by side with each other, especially those who are suffering, exactly as God called Moses to do.Our presence can help those who are suffering know that God hears their cries and will deliver them. What is our response? How will we live our lives?- Sunday Homily by Fr. Gerard Louis, C.Ss.R. (23 March 2025)