Lent 2023; Third Sunday of Lent

Rebellion, a word of social unrest, the act of getting even with an adversary who has been waiting to fight us with all their strength. The innocent waits expecting nothing but peace, until out of the darkness comes the enemy armed with violence in their minds and spears to penetrate the weakest points of our innocence.

A chosen one, the victim of hatred, who adheres to the golden rule, stands alone hearing viscousness, seeing a face as a sign of evil, and feeling the blows within the peaceful genre of a God-filled creature.

His traitor comes among a barrage of followers, each looking as a victor but deep within their own persona a pledge of destruction which will last but a moment in time.

As he faces the onslaught of an evil entity that knows only the rule of hatred and control, he braces for an attack, not on him alone, but all those to whom he has dedicated his life.

Somehow, this encounter will not be his defeat but a victory brought about by his God who will come to save him; not now! Through the resurrection of the just.

Serving God is not to hide behind a rampart for protection. It becomes a pulpit to preach from by standing strong like a shield of forgiveness, protection of the weakest among us, and a promise of salvation for all mankind.

“The Lord has given me a well-trained tongue, that I might know how to speak to the weary a word that will rouse them. Morning after morning he opens my ear that I may hear; And I have not rebelled, have not turned back. I gave my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who plucked my beard; My face I did not shield from buffets and spitting. The Lord God is my help, therefore I am not disgraced; I have set my face like flint, knowing that I shall not be put to shame. He is near who upholds my right; if anyone wishes to oppose me let us appear together. Who disputes my right? Let him confront me. See, the Lord God is my help; who will prove me wrong? Lo, they will all wear out like cloth, the moth will eat them up.” (Is 50: 4-9). Suffering Servant song number 3!

We now move on as our task during Lent reminds us who it is we are sacrificing for. As mentioned earlier, alluding to prayer, fasting, and almsgiving becomes the very essence of the Holy Spirit’s prodding; the very reason Jesus willingly handed himself over to evil men to complete his Passion. Divine as he was, only a divine person could satisfy the sinfulness of man. It was for mankind he died, and for mankind that we too must sacrifice.

“When it was evening, he reclined at table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Amen, I say to you, one of you will betray me.” Deeply distressed at this, they began to say to him one after another, Surely it is not I, Lord? He said in reply, “He who dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will betray me.” (Mt. 26: 20 -23).

“He took bread, broke it, and giving it to his disciples said, “Take and eat, this is my body.” Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which will be shed on behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Mt. 26: 26 - 28).

The sharing in the Passion of Jesus is a prelude to his Resurrection, which comes through only through suffering. The holy Eucharist is our complete connection as we approach the Easter Triduum.

Ralph B. Hathaway