Third Tuesday of Lent

Lent 2023

Moses replied to them, “Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you put the Lord to a test?” Here, then, in their thirst for water, the people grumbled against Moses, saying, “Why then did you bring us up out of Egypt? To have us die of thirst with our children and our livestock?”

—Exodus 17:2–3

Out in the wilderness, God tested the Israelites to see if they were as committed to their covenant as he was. It was a test they had failed before, and he was giving them another chance to pass. Rather than passing the test, they actually tested God as if he needed to prove himself to them. They forgot who they were and in confusion tried to judge God instead of acknowledging God as ultimate judge.

Hard times and difficulties test us. And through these trials, God gives us the opportunity to strengthen and improve ourselves, to choose to grow into people who trust him no matter the circumstances.

Ask God to help you see the challenges you are facing not as hindrances to block your path to joy and success but as tests to improve and strengthen your faith for the future.

 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.