First Reading: Ephesians 4:7-16
Brothers and sisters, grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift. Therefore it says: "When he ascended on high he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men."
In saying "he ascended," what does it mean but that he also first descended into the lower parts of the earth? He who descended is the same one who ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things.
And he gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the Body of Christ, until we all attain unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the fullness of Christ.
So that we may no longer be children, tossed about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning and deceit. Rather, living the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined together by every joint, grows and builds itself up in love.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5
R. Let us go rejoicing to the house of the Lord.
Alleluia: Ezekiel 33:11
Gospel: Luke 13:1-9
At that time some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He said, "Do you think these Galileans were worse sinners because they suffered this? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.
Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think they were worse offenders than all others in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."
Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit and found none. He said to the gardener, 'For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree and found none. Cut it down. Why should it waste the ground?'
The gardener answered, 'Sir, let it alone this year also, 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
We are quick to think, "That tragedy happened because they were worse than us." Jesus stops that thinking today. The Galileans who died and the people crushed by the tower were not greater sinners. Their death is a mirror for us - not to judge them, but to look at our own life.
Then He tells us about the fig tree. For three years, no fruit. Any gardener would cut it down. But our God is different. He says, "Give it one more year. Let me dig around it. Let me feed it." That is what He is doing with you right now. He is not tired of you. He is digging around your heart, giving you another chance to bear fruit.
Prayer
Lord, I have been fruitless for too long. Thank you for not cutting me down. Dig into my hard heart today and help me to change. I want my life to bear some fruit for you. Amen.
