Dear John,

On this third Sunday of Lent, the Gospel reading reminds us about the importance of repentance.

When we commit sin, there is a sadness inside, genuine remorse. This is a gift from God inviting us to live differently, better, freer, and happier.

The Greek word “metanoia,” meaning “change of heart,” is found 58 times in the New Testament. To truly have a change of heart, it needs to be two-fold: turning away from sin and turning with ever greater love toward the Lord.

During Lent, we are particularly called to this change of heart and are given gifts of His grace, which bring about renewal, impart new life, open the door to the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and make us ready for the life of Heaven.

May the Lord help us to grow in this conversion of heart throughout the remainder of Lent and throughout our lives.

Here are today’s Mass readings:

First reading: Exodus 3:1-8, 13-15

Psalm: 103:1-4, 6-8, 11

Second reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12

Gospel: St. Luke 13:1-9

Here are a few of EWTN’s faith-filled programs airing this week:

CHESTERTON STATION
G.K. Chesterton engages in make-believe games with playwright George Bernard Shaw and novelist Robert Louis Stevenson, resulting in cowboys, pirates, laughter, storytelling and deep discussions about life’s demons.

March 24, 4:30 PM. (60 mins.)

ANNUNCIATION: A CALL TO FAITH IN A BROKEN WORLD
On the Feast of the Annunciation, explore the mysteries of this blessed event with a thoughtful walk through the site of the Virgin Mary’s miraculous apparitions at Walsingham, England. Based on Sally Read’s book.

March 25, 5:30 PM. (30 mins.)

NETWORK OF FREEDOM
The powerful story of Sister Helene Studler, who put her life in mortal danger by organizing an underground freedom network that saved over 2,000 people from the Nazi death camps.

March 26, 8:00 PM. (2 hrs.)

In Christ,

Father Joseph

P.S. If you are inspired by this message, please forward it on to your loved ones.