Daily Mass Reflections - 10/27
“I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked man says the Lord, but rather in his conversion that he may live.” ~ Ezekiel 33:11
In today’s Gospel (Luke 13:1-9), the parable of the fig tree, we are reminded of Jesus’ tireless and never-ending desire to draw us closer to him. He is forever going to bat for us, offering us second chances, and imploring us to realize that the time for repentance is now.
With regard to that latter point, it’s important to take particular note of the waning words in this passage. It is here where the gardener (Jesus) replies to the frustrated master of the orchard who is bent on cutting the fruitless fig tree down by saying “Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not, you can cut it down.” This is the type of urgency that is prevalent throughout Scripture. The stark reality is, we can in fact run out of time. This is in no way, shape or form divine vengeance; it’s merely the consequence of our free will coupled with the finite nature of our journey here on Earth.
Fortunately however, we have the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the Sacraments, the celebration of the Holy Mass, and the Rosary among many other great graces at our disposal courtesy of an abundantly generous God. These are the graces and gifts Jesus references when he speaks of “cultivating” and “fertilizing” the spiritual soil of our souls. Use them wisely and often and you will avoid the hatchet of eternal condemnation.
“Lord Jesus, You chose us to go and bear fruit — fruit that will last. You prune every branch that bears fruit, so it will be even more fruitful. We commit ourselves to bring forth the fruit of the spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance” ~ Amen
