Third Monday of Lent

From the wilderness of Sin the whole Israelite com- munity journeyed by stages, as the Lord directed, and encamped at Rephidim. But there was no water for the people to drink, and so they quarreled with Moses and said, “Give us water to drink.”

—Exodus 17:1–2

Having led his people out of slavery in Egypt, God pledged to lead the Israelites to the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey. But at this point in their journey, they are stuck in the wilder- ness with not enough to eat or drink. They turn on their leader, Moses, and start to blame him for their situation. Rather than being patient or asking how they can help, they become demanding. Their hearts are hardening against God and against his servant.

When we face obstacles and difficulties, we have a choice—do we grumble and complain, or do we trust God to provide for our needs?

Name some of the things you often grumble and complain about. Pray for the grace to turn to God rather than grumble and complain about them.

 This reflection from Messages of Trust for Lent, originally published by Ave Maria Press, was reprinted with permission of the authors, Fr. Michael White and Tom Corcoran. For more parish resources, visit https://www.rebuiltparish.com/.

Responsorial psalms are excerpted from the Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States of America, second typical edition © 2001, 1998, 1997, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC. Used with permission. All rights reserved. No portion of this text may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Other scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, DC, and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.