Gospel for the day - 3rd Sunday of Lent

Luke 13:1-9 ‘Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.’


There were some present at that very time who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, ‘Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.’


And he told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. And he said to the vine dresser, “Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down. Why should it use up the ground?” And he answered him, “Sir, let it alone this year also, until I dig round it and put on manure. Then if it should bear fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.” ’



This is the gospel of the Lord. Commentary on the readings.



Having used our prayer resources, you might want simply to reflect yourself on them and how that might flow into your coming week. Some people have found it very helpful to meet with others and share their thoughts.
If you are interested  in joining a small group to share your thoughts and feelings about God's Word from any of the resources you have watched please email us.         cluster.alpha@outlook.com



Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)


This parable of the fig tree speaks of the “gospel of the second chance”. A fig-tree normally takes three years to reach maturity. If it is not fruiting by that time it is not likely to fruit at all. Just as happened in the lives of Peter and Paul, so this fig-tree was given another chance.


But the parable also makes it quite clear that there is such a thing as a final chance. If God's appeal to change our lives comes again and again in vain, the day finally comes – not when God has shut us out – but when we choose to shut ourselves off from the God whose only wish is to have us share in that divine life.



  1. Recall a time when you were given a second chance by someone and how worked out in the long run.
  2. What important work could bear fruit in your life right now if you have more confidence in God’s loving care?*


 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center


Prayers of Intercession


We pray for all church leaders who help and guide us and give us opportunities to repent of our sins and to renew our commitment to follow the Lord. We pray especially for Pope Francis during this time of ill health.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer


For world leaders that they may cultivate a spirit of kindness and compassion among their people and lead by example.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer


We pray for the poor and the marginalized that their needs be met through the efforts of this community of faith.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer


For those preparing for baptism, reception into the church this Easter and for all children preparing to receive the sacraments, that they may come to know and love deeply the God of our ancestors who loves us still today.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer


We pray for those who are sick in mind, body or soul and for all those on the prayer foundation list that they may be given the strength and courage to bear their illness.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer


For all those who have died recently particularly Tam Murphy, Gayle, Anna Walker, Alex McGinnity, Philip Sheppard, Ester Parker, Blake Erickson & Tommy Fallon.

And for all those who mourn loved ones that those who have departed this life will now see the face of our Heavenly Father and that those who mourn loved ones be comforted in this knowledge.

Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayer



We will now say together the prayer to be missionary disciples.


Cluster prayer

Lord continue to bless our community in this time of transition.

Help us on our journey to grow from a maintenance church to a missionary church.
Give us the courage to be missionary disciples.
Make our doors wide enough to receive all who need human love and fellowship; narrow enough to shut out all envy, pride and prejudice.

Kindle in us the fire of your love that all who come here will find joy, peace and love.

Make this a house of prayer and a gateway to your kingdom.

AMEN

Preparing for next week -  4th Sunday of Lent

Luke 15:1-3, 11-32 ‘Your brother was dead, and is alive.’


At that time: The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, ‘This man receives sinners and eats with them.’


So he told them this parable: ‘There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.” And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.


‘But when he came to himself, he said, “How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.’ ”


‘And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” And they began to celebrate.


‘Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound.” But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, “Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!” And he said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.” ’

This is the gospel of the Lord. Commentary on the readings.


Questions for reflection (framed for a group discussion)


To forgive must be one of the most difficult, yet most generous things we are capable of as humans. Today's gospel makes this much clear: God's boundless love will never fail to embrace anyone who returns to him. At the same time our own human nature is more akin to the brother's who struggles to do the same. Perhaps because we don't like to take a good look at ourselves and our own shortcomings? Perhaps because we don't try hard enough to understand the "sinner" and their journey? 


Would the older brother have been more generous, had the prodigal son asked him for forgiveness too, not just the father? For the really thorny situations are surely those when someone is not contrite and the conflict persists. How many family feuds continue for months and years because neither party will acknowledge any wrongdoing? Anger and resentment fester and poison life. The only way to break free of this downward spiral is to forgive and to leave judgement to God. Forgiveness is both a decision and necessary for healing. In the words of Lewis B. Smedes: "To forgive is to set a prisoner free and realize that the prisoner was you".




  1. In many ways, asking for forgiveness is bigger than bestowing it. Share a moment when you plucked up the courage. 
  2. When have you been generous enough to forgive someone who hurt you deeply?*


 * All second questions © The Pastoral Center