Daily Reflection March 23, 2025 |
Clear but Compassionate Some of the people are scandalized by the death of a group of Galileans at the hands of Herod and a group of visitors who were killed when a tower fell on them. Were they greater sinners than the others? Jesus tells them the real “guilty” are those who refuse to repent. He tells them a parable about a fig tree. Luke might have read Matthew’s version of this story - Matthew 21:19. – where Jesus is hungry and comes across a fruitless fig tree and curses it. Here in Luke, it’s a parable. A “gardener” talks an owner of an orchard out of cutting down a three-year fruitless fig tree. He argues to be allowed to have another year to “cultivate” the tree – to enrich its soil – to help it produce fruit. That is good news for those of us who find ourselves at the midpoint of Lent and aren’t sure we have much to show for it. Our Lord is the patient, compassionate gardener who is ready today to give us more time to produce fruit, by offering to accompany us with grace-filled care these days ahead. Part of the cultivation process is to return to the active, attentive, ongoing reflection that shapes our Lenten journey. We can begin again with the simple question: “What is it you want to give me during the rest of Lent his year, Lord?” We can pray with desires like these; “Please open my heart to a closer, personal relationship with you.” “Free me with your liberating graces to turn away from all that is selfish, judgmental, hard hearted.” “May the story of your self-sacrificing love for me fill me with the ability to love others as you have loved me.” “Make my heart like yours, allowing me to hear the cry of the poor as you do.” With these or similar words from my heart, Lent will come alive. |
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