In today’s Gospel, Jesus confronts us with a challenging and poignant message found in St Luke, 13:1-9. He begins by addressing a tragic incident where some Galileans were killed, reminding us that calamity and misfortune can strike at any moment. Jesus questions the assumption that such tragedies befall only the most sinful among us. He emphasizes that we should not judge others based on their circumstances but instead reflect on our own lives.
Jesus tells us, “Unless you repent, you will all perish as they did.” This call to repentance is central to his teaching. It invites us to examine our hearts, recognizing that we all fall short and are in need of God’s mercy. In sharing the parable of the fig tree, Jesus illustrates God’s patience and desire for us to bear fruit in our lives. The fig tree’s unfruitfulness symbolizes our own spiritual barrenness and the urgency of our calling to produce good deeds and live in accordance with God’s will.
As we reflect on these passages, we are reminded that time is precious and finite. God gives us opportunities to grow, to change, and to bear fruit. The gardener’s plea for one more year of patience is a testament to God’s mercy, allowing us more time to cultivate the virtues of faith, hope, and love.
Let us heed this call to repentance, not least during the Lenten season, recognizing that each day is a gift to align our lives with Christ. May we strive to bear good fruit, sharing the love of God in our actions, and inspiring others along the way. As we journey together in faith, let us remain mindful of both our fragility and God’s infinite mercy. Amen.
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you.
And with your spirit
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 13:1-9
Some people arrived and told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with that of their sacrifices At this he said to them,
‘Do you suppose these Galileans who suffered like that were greater sinners than any other Galileans?
They were not, I tell you. No; but unless you repent you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen on whom the tower at Siloam fell and killed them? Do you suppose that they were more guilty than all the other people living in Jerusalem? They were not, I tell you. No; but unless you repent you will all perish as they did.’
He told this parable:
‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it but found none. He said to the man who looked after the vineyard,
“Look here, for three years now I have been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and finding none. Cut it down: why should it be taking up the ground?”
“Sir,” the man replied “leave it one more year and give me time to dig round it and manure it: it may bear fruit next year; if not, then you can cut it down.”‘
The Gospel of the Lord
Praise to you , Lord Jesus Christ