3rd Sunday before Lent

Readings: Jeremiah 17v5-10; Psalm 1; 1 Corinthians 15v12-20; Luke 6v17-26.

Let us pray: May the words of my mouth and the thoughts and meditations of all our hearts be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer.

A Word: I believe that today’s readings tell us what happens to humankind after this life is over and raises the question: do we believe in an afterlife? In the letter to the Corinthians we hear what Paul has to say to the people of his time who did not believe in Jesus’ resurrection and the afterlife. Paul is certain there is an afterlife and points out that: if there is no afterlife and all we do is perish when we die then his and our faith is futile. Paul is certain of the afterlife and sure that Christ was raised from the dead because Jesus met with Paul on the road to Damascus.

In the gospel of Luke, we hear Jesus’ teaching about the afterlife. Jesus says that in the life to come that God blesses the poor, the hungry, those full of sorrow and everyone who is treated badly because they serve the Lord. For in the afterlife, they will receive: a place in the Kingdom of God; food at God’s feast in heaven; joy in the kingdom to come; and reward beyond measure in heaven. I believe that Jesus is encouraging those who are suffering now in this world and whose lot in life is difficult by assuring them that the afterlife is a much better place. I also believe that in Jesus is warning everyone who has enough of what they need to use what they have to serve generously in the world, or else God will set his face against them. Like the rich in goods and possessions, like those who have plenty to eat, like those who have nothing to do but live fun-filled lives and like all those who spend their time being admired by this world.

As a Christian, I believe that Jesus is teaching and warning that after we die we will end up in one of two groups. This is echoed in the psalm which tells us that: God’s people are those who delight in God’s law, bear good fruit and are blessed by God; whilst those who do not bear good fruit will perish. It is also shared with us by the prophet Jeremiah who warns that: people who do not turn to God will be left out of all of the wonders that God promises to those who turn to him; and everyone who trusts in the Lord will be blessed by God and bear much fruit in the world.

I believe that the message in these readings is a call for all of us to take stock of how we live our lives, using all that we have, in the service of God. For God calls us to use what has been given to us ,in order to benefit others. This is a most amazing calling because it makes a positive difference in the world. I also believe that this is a calling we need to respond to because it is what God put us on this earth to do, in his name.

Let us Pray: Almighty God, our merciful father, who gave Jesus so all humanity can be drawn by faith and love to you: give us the grace we need to leave our sinful selves behind; help us to fix our unworthy hearts on you; and at the end of our lives bring us to the table in heaven where we may find true joy as we feast with Jesus the bread of life. Amen

Thanks for joining us today.