March 23, 2025 -3rd Sunday of Lent
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As we journey through Lent, today’s readings invite us to reflect on God’s patience, mercy, and our call to conversion.
In the first reading, Moses encounters the burning bush, where God reveals Himself as “I AM WHO AM” (Exodus 3:14). This moment reminds us that God sees our struggles, calls us to mission, and remains ever-present in our lives. Just as He heard the cries of Israel in Egypt, He hears our prayers and invites us to trust in His divine plan. His love is always overwhelming, super abundant and overflowing. His love is for everyone and always present, waiting for the positive response from every person no matter who they are and what is their story. His love never fails.
In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13:1-9). The owner wants to cut it down, but the gardener pleads for one more year to care for it. This parable highlights God’s patience and mercy—He gives us time to repent and bear fruit. However, we must not waste this opportunity. Lent is a time of renewal, a chance to deepen our relationship with God through prayer, fasting, and acts of charity.
How are we using this “extra time” God has given us? Are we growing spiritually, or have we become stagnant in our faith? This week, let us reflect on the areas in our lives that need conversion and respond to God’s call with open hearts. Admitting our need for growth and conversion is the first step of turning towards God to be touched and purified by the light, the warmth of that burning bush of God’s presence, that will bring us the revelation of God’s name and the revelation of who we are for Him. May we use this Lenten season to turn back to God, trust in His mercy, and bear good fruit in our daily lives.
I am so thankful to Fr. Orlando and Fr. Alberto for the retreats that they have conducted for us. I am happy to hear that it was a total success with good attendance. Let they bring good fruits in our lives. We follow with the next retreat this Sunday and I want you to be aware that Fathers will be returning to Spain this Sunday evening.
I thank Fr. Rodrigo who gave me great hospitality and tour of Paraguay, with its spiritual, religious, cultural, historical, geographical beauty and amazing nature. I may have to come back to finish the tour, but it is an amazing experience to see and experience it all. The people of Paraguay are very humble, hospitable, kind and generous. Seeing the priest they always ask for a blessing before they shake priest’s hand. I learned to drink Yerba Mate and Terere. It s organic and herbal drink that everyone in Paraguay uses. We visited many churches and chapels. We spent time with Fr. Rodrigo family and Fr. Milciadese’s Godparents. I presided in number of Masses in different churches among whom was Baslica of Caacupe and the Cathedral of Villa Rica. It was wonderful to be there. I thank you for your prayers. God bless everyone always!!!
Fr. Stan
