The words of St. Paul in our first reading today are a fountain of hope: “There is now therefore no condemnation to them that are in Christ ...
The words of St. Paul in our first reading today are a fountain of hope: “There is now therefore no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus.” Why? Because we have the life-giving Spirit of Christ living in us. God's Presence in us changes everything, freeing us from the law of sin and death and giving life to our mortal bodies.
The Gospel, however, gives us a solemn reality check. Jesus uses the image of the fruitless fig tree. For three years, the owner has looked for fruit and found none. It’s a parable for all of us: we are given time, cultivation, and God’s grace—His Presence—but we must bear fruit. The message is clear: the time to bear fruit is now. This requires Penance, or true repentance. Jesus says: "Unless you shall do penance, you shall all likewise perish." Repentance is not just a feeling; it is a turning away from sin and a turning toward God's will.
Today, as we observe the optional memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we see a life of perfect Potential fulfilled. Mary was the first to fully welcome the Spirit's Presence and thus bore the ultimate fruit of Christ. Her entire life was an act of constant "yes"—a perfect alignment with God’s will, a perfect Penance in the sense of a conversion of life.
The Lord is granting us another year, another season, one more day to dig around the roots of our lives and give us a chance to bear fruit. Let us cultivate the divine Presence within us, embrace a spirit of sincere Penance, and live up to the immense spiritual Potential that is ours in Christ. Let us not be a barren fig tree, but one that is rich in the fruit of good works. Amen.
No comments