In the third Sunday of Lent, we follow along with Jesus as he is confronted by those who want Jesus to speak out against those who are not in their ethnic, social, or religious group. They were guilty of their self-righteous anger and judgment of others. Jesus resisted that temptation to follow the divisions of his time and instead painted a very poignant tale of a fig tree that does not produce fruit and simply takes up space. 

As we journey with Jesus trough the third week of the season of Lent, create some time each and every day for self and spiritual reflection.  Ask yourself the following questions as you struggle with being a faithful and devoted disciple  of Jesus Christ:

1. How have I born fruit for God and God's kingdom today?

2. How have I just taken up space today defending my own kingdom or the kingdom of this world? 

3. How can I grow closer to Jesus? 

Pray about this and spend some time in honest reflection considering how you can be a more faithful and devoted disciple of Jesus. 

Merciful God, when we suffer thirst, you refresh us with the waters of life. When we set our jaws and lose our cool, you heal our hardness of heart. Help us abide in your steadfast love, both now and forevermore. Amen.