Third Sunday in Lent, C.
- First Reading ‡ Exodus 3:1-8.13-15 This is what you must say to the children of Israel: I Am has sent me to you
- Responsorial ‡ Psalm 102:1-4.6-8.11 The Lord is kind and merciful.
- Second Reading ‡ 1 Corinthians 10:1-6.10-12 All this that happened to the people of Moses in the desert was written for our benefit.
- Gospel ‡ Luke 13:1-9 Unless you repent you will all perish as they did.
Moses would not be the first candidate to encounter the Lord out in the wilderness. Raised in the ruling family of Egypt, he was now on the run, and found himself with the Midianites – wandering nomads who worshipped another god. Out looking after his father-in-law’s flock, he at least takes time to notice that the bush that has attracted his attention is burning – but not being burnt up. Then the angel of the Lord addresses him from the middle of the flames – come no nearer; for this is holy ground. This rocky wilderness? Take off my sandals?
Then, after revealing himself to Moses as the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob/Israel, Moses wants to know more. But, if you have (finally) remembered your covenant with my people, and you have seen our plight, and heard our cries, and you know our pain – what is your name? How shall I refer to you?
Eheyeh Asher Eheyeh
I am (or I will be) who/what/that I am (will be).Tell them, Eheyeh (I am) has sent you.