Third Sunday of Lent

Third Sunday of Lent
† Sunday 26th March 2000

Theme: Called to understand the wisdom of God in a the life of faith

Reading from the Book of Exodus 20: 1 - 17
The People of the Old Testament having made a covenant of moral obedience with God, are noted for their observance of the Law and the decalogue : the Ten Commandments. These ‘values’ may be summarised in the rules of life, to love God above all things, and one’s neighbour as oneself. These ten commandments offer a basic pattern for human moral behaviour which serve us to this day.

First Letter of Paul to the Corinthians 1: 22 - 25
As the apostle Paul travelled widely throughout the Mediterranean world he will have met many seekers after wisdom. Many who will have questioned the message of the Gospel Paul preached. Some enquirers demand signs and miracles, others rational proof or logical argument, but Paul offers them the apparent contradiction of the crucified Jesus. What some may perceive to be weakness and disaster, is in fact the power and wisdom of God made manifest in Christ. This wisdom which is stronger than any human ability, and so the ‘elect’ those called to belief, understand the deeper meaning of the Gospel, and the ultimate power of God, and respond in their obedience of faith.

Gospel according to John 2: 13 - 25
This passage is a vigorous display of Jesus’ zeal for the holiness of the House of God, and the detestation of those who would defraud the poor for their own selfish ends. The Temple of God can also be seen as a reference to Jesus’ own body yet to be abused and to endure passion and death by crucifixion. John’s account provides us with a reflection upon the meaning and significance of this new age, which dawns with Jesus beginning his public ministry, and which will culminate in the ultimately powerful sign of the Resurrection