3rd Sunday of Lent - Fr. Leo

Jesus came to bring humanity back to God through the gift of the Holy Spirit.  He is against anything that stands in the way of his Father’s will.  From today’s gospel we see that that includes some of the cultic practices of religion.  In fact, it could be argued that Jesus was against organized religion.  A study of the New Testament shows a Jesus who embraces the outcast and breaks religious law out of love.  Yes, he healed on the Sabbath.  No surprise then that in the end it was religion that crucified Jesus.

Since Jesus associated with the poor and had no place to lay his head or title to pin on his lapel, I dare say Jesus wouldn’t be happy with our Church with its miters, rings and authority. Jesus would be concerned about people coming to know the loving God that dwells with-in them. All religious practices that hinder that knowing he would challenge.  

Today we are much like St. Paul who navigated through a cult of religious laws to form allegiance to the Spirit of God.  In the end, each one of us is responsible for being open to the Spirit to work in and through us.  Just as Mary was faithful to her yes to God, we are called to strive to say yes and seek God in all things.

It is the Spirit who leads, guides and teaches us.  So let us allow the Holy Spirit to live in us, even if a few of our own tables get dramatically turned over.  

Lord, help us to surrender to your love that your will may be our joy and consolation.  Amen.