The Preacher’s Study
Third Sunday of Lent, Year C
Jason Haddox
Exodus 3:1-15
Psalm 63:1-8
1 Corinthians 10:1-13
Luke 13:1-9
As mentioned
before, on the Sundays in Lent the first readings guide the organization of the
lectionary. On this particular day, two
supernatural images (a burning bush and a fruitless fig tree) bracket the
eucharistic readings. One might also be reminded of the trees of life and
knowledge in Eden, and the cross of Calvary, as “bookends” of the narrative of
salvation.
The first
reading from Exodus 3 relates the story of Moses’ encounter with the Lord, in
the bush which burns but is not consumed.
God’s name (and thus access to the Divine identity) is revealed—the
first of many such encounters and revelations.
The encounter marks the beginning of the Exodus journey, as Moses now
discovers his own vocation as the Lord’s
prophet. The image of the burning bush
itself is a symbol of God’s presence revealed in the created order.
Psalm 63 as
a response to the first lesson invites us to imagine Moses speaking these words
“…in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.” Moses, or anyone who has cried out for a
vision of the Almighty, could find themselves giving voice to these words.
1 Corinthians
10 reflects on the wilderness journey of the children of Israel, interpreted as
an allegory through Christian symbolism.
The rock, the sea, the cloud, the manna—all stand as symbols of the
divine Presence, present with them on the way.
One might go so far as to call these “sacraments”—outward and visible
signs of the invisible and spiritual realities that accompany those who
undertake the spiritual journey.
But this is
no easy stroll in the park on a pleasant afternoon, Paul cautions his readers. “Do not put God to the test”—which is not
about asking questions, or seeking to understand in good faith, but simply
disregarding the mercy and grace of God as indifferent or “no-count”. Grace and mercy abound, and as recipients of
such grace and mercy, Christ’s followers are called to exercise grace and mercy
toward others.
The gospel
passage for this Sunday actually “jumps back” to the beginning of chapter 13,
describing an episode between Jesus and some unknown conversation partners.
Here the gift of revelation, awareness of the divine presence, has been wasted
or ignored. The episodes of Pilate
ordering the killing of worshippers, and the falling of the tower of Siloam,
are otherwise unknown in the Gospels or other contemporary documents. In the absence of further specifics, Jesus’
warning that “you will perish as they did” is perhaps a call to
mindfulness. In daily life (walking past
a tall building), or even in worship, in the act of offering sacrifice,
remember God’s call and God’s ways. “Do
not worry…(12:22); Do not be afraid…(12:32); Be dressed and ready for
action…(12:35); Judge for yourself what is right…”(12:57).
The parable
of the fig tree can be understood as a narrative version of this call to
mindfulness—the tree has grown up but produced nothing. The owner of the vineyard is put out by this,
and demands that the tree be cut down. The
gardener asks for mercy, offers special attention for the tree, and finally
says to the landowner “If you are not pleased after that, then you can cut it
down (yourself!)” It is a curious story
of patience and forbearance, told by one who was himself at least occasionally
mistaken for “the gardener.” A certain urgency (“one more year”) suggests there
is a limited amount of time in which a change of mind and behavior may be
accomplished.
Jason Haddox is a presbyter of the Episcopal
Church, currently serving in the Diocese of Georgia. He is a graduate of the Seminary of the
Southwest, Austin, Texas, and earned his Ph.D. from Drew University, Madison, New
Jersey. He is Vice President of The Associated Parishes for Liturgy and
Mission.
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