Book Reviews and More: Third Sunday of Lent 2018

Sunday, 4 March 2018

Third Sunday of Lent 2018

Third Sunday of Lent 2018

This is the first week of lent where there are two set of options for readings. I did not know what Our church would be doing so I have read each a few times this week. Most of the reflections I have read for today's readings follow the first option.The first is:

First Reading Exodus 20:1-17

Responsorial Psalm 19: 7-10 Response John 6:68

Second Reading Romans 1 Corinthians 1: 18, 22-25

Gospel John 2:13-25

And the second is:

First Reading Exodus 17: 3-7

Responsorial Psalm 95: 1-2, 6-7a, 7b-9 Response 7,8

Second Reading Romans 5: 1,2, 5-8

Gospel John 4: 4-42

The Year A option is the longest reading we have had this year. But the two responses really spoke to me this week.

Lord, you have the Words of eternal life.

And

O that today you would listen to the voice of the lord.Do not harden your hearts!

I think about my life, my day to do. Working full time in IT, blogging about books, and the various hats I wear. I am a sun, I am a husband, I am a father, I am a brother, I am a friend and I am a coworker. And I wonder how often do I harden my heart? How often do I not listen to the Lord? How often do I want my fair share instead of extending grace and mercy? Do my actions live up to my theology?

I have so many blessings in my life. And God has always surrounded me with people of faith and people who have been in my corner. I have many blessings, health, family, friends, employment. But none of that matters if I do not have God in my life, or if I am not living for him.