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This is a recording from the sermon preached by seminarian Daniel Bentley at St. David's Episcopal Church on Sunday, March 23rd, 2023, the third Sunday after Lent. In this sermon, Daniel Bentley addresses the human need to find meaning in tragedy, countering the notion that suffering is indicative of divine punishment. Using examples from recent history and scripture, Bentley explores Jesus' teachings on repentance and the importance of returning to God. Through the stories of Moses and the parable of the fig tree, Bentley emphasizes God's initiative to bring people back and the severe, yet loving call to repentance that is central to the Lenten season.
00:00 Introduction: Uncomfortable Gospel Lesson
00:17 Finding Meaning in Tragedy
02:24 Jesus' Severe Words on Repentance
04:44 The True Meaning of Repentance
06:03 Personal Reflection on Needing God
07:30 God's Initiative to Bring Us Back
08:01 Moses' Calling and the Parable of the Fig Tree
10:19 Conclusion: God's Love and Redemption
