Reflection on Luke 13:1-9 ~
God has given me numerous chances to allow grace to transform who I am so there could be fruit from His will. In hindsight, my spiritual blindness created missed opportunities that far outnumber successful engagements with Trinity. This awareness has led me to analyze that what matters to our Triune God is constantly attempting forward movement. Understanding produces knowledge and freedom to choose to be responsible and present for others at any moment. To do so requires pruning the weaker “self,” nurturing the positives in life, and feeding what is growing correctly. There are marks and signs of having our soul bearing fruit after being enriched like the fig tree. These marks include the desire to participate with Christ, be humble, and have a stable balance of life.
The Vine Dresser and the Fig Tree, James Tissot, (full-resolution painting) and more detail at the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 13:1-9 – Scripture
Repent or Perish
13 At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. 4 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? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.”
The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree
6 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. 7 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?’ 8 He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 13:1-9 Reflection – Bearing Fruit.
Additional Thoughts
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.
Attributions
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Luke 13 Bible passage.
This site follows the guidelines for image web use at the website of the Brooklyn Museum, the Jewish Museum, and this Immersive Prayer website.