Lent 4 (year C)- Luke 15: 11-32

 The Gospel for this Fourth Sunday in Lent from St. Luke 15:11-32 is well known. In fact, it might seem so familiar that we overlook its meaning. It has been called the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and the prodigal or wasteful son is certainly important, but we should notice that there are three central characters in the story: 1) the ungrateful and wasteful son who repents and returns home, 2)  the legalistic and resentful older brother who is jealous and hurt, and 3) the merciful, gracious, and forgiving father who celebrates the prodigal's return and admonishes the self-righteous older son.

Focusing on any of the three characters can provide much food for thought. All human beings share characteristics of the prodigal or wasteful son and of the older self-righteous and resentful son. Like both sons, we need changes in our thoughts and in our behavior. Reading this parable during Lent is a special reminder that all God's sinful children are called to repent. Only by doing so can we open ourselves to depths of divine love.

However, as important as each son is, the central character in the parable is the loving father. This father exemplifies the qualities of God the Father. He cares for both sons and wants what is best for them. He also respects their freedom and allows them to develop in their individual ways. He gives them guidance and sustenance, and He is saddened when they misunderstand Him, make mistakes, and stray in their different ways. Nevertheless, His love endures and is ready to express itself anew if His children repent and return in humility and trust. In His graciousness, God is ready to rejoice and have a feast when penitents return. We all have such a loving, gracious, and forgiving heavenly Father; so let us arise and go to Him in humility.

Annunciation- 25 March- Luke 1:26-38

Many contemporary Lutherans and other Christians probably only think of the Annunciation of Christ to the Virgin Mary during Advent, but March 25 has been the traditional feast day since the early centuries of Christianity. This observance remains a fitting time for reflection on the Gospel from Luke 1. On this day, we think of many things: the redemptive purpose of God the Father, the mystery of Christ's Incarnation, the splendor of the messenger Gabriel, and the gracious humility and faithful obedience of the Virgin Mary. Since this observance occurs during Lent, we also realize that all aspects of the Annunciation receive their meaning through the Cross, Passion, and Resurrection of the One whose Birth is announced.

The message of the Gospel is a meaningful whole. From the Annunciation to Christmas, the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension, the Gospel proclaims God's amazing, unique, and saving grace expressed through His only-begotten Son Jesus. Every Sunday and every day, we should reflect on the offer of salvation and faithful responses. We need to hear the good news of redemption through Jesus Christ again and again!

Lent 3 (year C)- Luke 13:1-9

The Gospel from Luke 13:1-9 contains two sections. In the first part, Jesus refers to two contemporary events in Palestine where people died. One of these events was a political occurrence where Pilate's soldiers killed worshippers. The other event was an accident where a tower collapsed on a group. Both of these events serve as warnings. The people who died were not especially evil, but their deaths can serve as reminders that life is fragile and that all will stand before divine judgment. 

In the second section of our Gospel, our Lord tells a parable about a fig tree that is slow to produce fruit. The owner is ready to chop down the fig tree, but the vineyard keeper convinces the owner to give the tree another chance. After more time and effort, the fate of the fig tree depends on how it responds. This parable is also a warning about judgment. Jesus is saying that people who receive opportunities to grow must change or face destruction.

Both sections of this Gospel apply to all human beings.  As long as we live, we are called to repent and respond to God before judgment comes. Our faith should produce results. Lent is a special reminder of this truth. We should use our days to repent, turn to God in faith, and bear good fruit. God is both merciful and just. He gives us great opportunities, but He also expects faithful responses.

Lent 2 (year C)- Luke 13:31-35

In the Gospel for the Second Sunday in Lent, our Lord looks toward the remainder of His ministry with realistic commitment. He says, "I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem" (Luke 13:33 ESV). He knows what awaits but will not be turned away from His calling. Despite worldly opposition, He must fulfill His ministry and mission. He will be faithful and leave the outcome in His heavenly Father's hands. 

Although our callings are far from being as great as that of our Lord Jesus, we are called to respond with Christ-like commitment. As we journey through the Christian life, there are physical and spiritual obstacles and dangers. But we must not be distracted from our Christian callings. We must be faithful and persistent. We strive to do what God requires of us without focusing on the dangers. With the help of divine grace, we seek to live and act in faith today and tomorrow, and we leave the future in God's hands.

Lent 1 (year C)- Luke 4

 This year the Gospel for the First Sunday in Lent is from Luke 4:1-13. This selection is one of the accounts of  Jesus' temptation in the wilderness. As our Lord began His public ministry, He took time apart for prayer and fasting. Near the end of this time, the Tempter sought to catch Jesus in a moment of weakness. 

Satan used three basic human needs as points of spiritual attack. First, there was the physical need to care for the body- in this case, the need for food. Secondly, there was the human need for safe surroundings- in this case, political surroundings. Thirdly, there was the human desire for social contact and affirmation- in this case, the temptation to seek public approval by a showy display. Although the human nature of Jesus was tried, He was able to resist these temptations because of His unique divine nature. He remained connected with the Father and the Holy Spirit. Thus, Jesus overcame these temptations and did not sin. He also overcame temptation throughout His earthly life, death, and resurrection, and thus He won a victory for all humanity.

Unfortunately, even the most dedicated Christians do not have the spiritual perfection of our Lord, and we often succumb to one temptation or another. Still, we do have hope. Through our Christian baptism and through faith in Jesus Christ, His grace can strengthen us to resist many temptations. And when we do fail, His grace can lead us to seek repentance and renewal. Temptations to evil are bound to come, but there is good news.  Jesus Christ has conquered Satan, sin, and death, and He offers us His gracious help each and every day!

Ash Wednesday - Joel 2; Matthew 6

The Scripture readings for the First Day of Lent, traditionally called Ash Wednesday, speak of religious disciplines and devotions. Joel 2 speaks of Israel's need for repentance and special acts of renewal such as fasting. The Gospel from St. Matthew 6 makes it clear that a disciple's attitude in fasting is very important. Our Lord assumes that His followers will fast, but He warns against being hypocritical or ostentatious. Scripture in general and our readings today point us to the importance of our attitudes in religious matters. The key to observing Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season properly lies in attitude. Acts of self-discipline and devotion are useful and sometimes much-needed, but our attitudes are more significant. Our lessons stress the spiritual aspects of fasting and repentance.

Some external acts of devotion such as special prayers, fasting, Bible study, and charitable giving can be valuable. These and other practices can be expressions of faith and renewal. However, the most important aspects of Lent are not our external disciplines; the most important aspects of Lent are remembering what God has done through Jesus Christ and growing in a faithful attitude toward Christ. In all we think, say, and do, we are called to repent, turn to Christ, and respond to Him in living faith. So during Lent, let us focus on devotion to God and upon greater appreciation of Christ’s journey toward the Cross.