Franciscan Missionary of Mary

Attend Prayer

"I have come".

"I have come".

Ex 3:1-8a, 13-15

1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12
Lk 13:1-9

What can a calamity, such as a political blood-bath or a natural disaster, teach us about God's kingdom and the consequences of bad choices and sinful actions? When calamity and disaster hit the Jewish people, such as their 400 year enslavement in the land of Egypt, they often saw it as the consequence of their unrepentant sin and persistent unfaithfulness to God. God, however in his mercy, promised to deliver the Israelites when he sent his servant Moses to lead his people to freedom.

. I like to look at the verbs God uses at the burning bush to commission Moses: "I have witnessed" and "I have heard," (regarding Israel 's slavery), then: "I have come," "to lead them out." These are the eternal promises we trust God for. We trust that God has seen our trials and in someway understands even our sinfulness. We trust that God hears us when we call, even with half-hearts, and we trust that we will be met in our mess and led out of it to something better. That's why we have the strength to overcome our past. Lent is always about looking toward Easter—toward TOMORROW. Tomorrow doesn't have to be a repeat of the mistakes of yesterday. So, Onward

The Gospel account ends with Jesus telling of a fig tree that has not borne fruit for three years and there is a discussion on whether to cut it down or not. But the man tending it pleads for one more year during which he will tend to it and manure it. God is ever patient with us. But he longs for us to allow Him to help us change so that we can grow to the fullness of who we are and share the abundant fruit of his love with a world so in need of Christ. Let us hear the loving call of Jesus this Sunday to begin to change our hearts and minds and allow him to help us become the fullness of who we are as beloved children of God. Br. David Barrins OP

"Lord Jesus, increase my hunger for you that I may grow in righteousness and holiness. May I not squander the grace of the present moment to say "yes" to you and to your will and plan for my life."

Empowerment of women - this was the one aim of Blessed Mary of the Passion in serving the less fortunate that led her to open educational institutions, health-care services and set up small income-generating works for women. We respond to the cry of the poor, the oppressed and the marginalized, especially the women through the same services today. We work for the integrity of creation through non-violence and eco-justice, sharing God's gifts with all.

Her farsightedness in establishing a printing press in the 19th century itself, to publish The Annals of the Institute as a means of sharing news and views with the wider public has set the trend for us to utilize the potent means of the media to communicate the compassionate face of God to all peoples thereby promoting communion and human relationships.