Reading
Third Sunday in Lent
Luke 13:1-9 (NRSV)
The parable of the fig tree
At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them -- do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did."
Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?' He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.' "
Luke 13:1-9 (NRSV)
The parable of the fig tree
At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them -- do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did."
Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?' He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.' "
Reflection
Tragic things happen to all of us. But, unless you repent, you will all perish. Take a hard look. See that I can't save myself. Tragic things will happen. I must repent. I must repent and grow. If I bear no fruit, Jesus graciously gives me another chance. Dig around me and pile on the manure. Some awful things can happen. But maybe...just maybe...through some of these awful things that happen...through some repentance...the grace of God does not give up on me...and there is growth.
And maybe...just maybe...through trust and hope...even in those tragic things that happen...those that fell...still are wonderfully wrapped in the arms of a gracious Lord and Savior...even in the tragic things that happen.
After all...look at the tragic thing that happened to Jesus...death brought life...eternal life...Thanks be to God!
Prayer
Lord, as I face tragic things myself or along side of another, fertilize and bring me the growth only you can grant...today...tomorrow...and forever. --- Amen
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