Reflection on The Gospel of Luke 13:1-9 Third Sunday of Lent March 23, 2025

The Gospel of Luke 13:1-9
At that very time there were some present who told Jesus 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 do
Let us Pray: “Lord, I come before You humbly, seeking Your grace. Teach me to repent fully and truly, to turn from my shortcomings, and to live according to Your will. May my life bear fruit that is pleasing to You, reflecting kindness, patience, and love. Thank You for Your patience and the opportunity to grow. Guide me to use this time wisely and purposefully. Amen.”
If God is so all-loving and all-powerful, then why does he let bad things happen to good people? It’s a very good question, and you ‘are absolutely right to ask it. Suffering is not a form of punishment. God does not want anyone to suffer. He wants us to turn away from sin and turn to him so we can have abundant lives.
God is not singling people out and punishing them for their sins. These are words of comfort that we need to hear. This passage challenges us to consider where we need to grow in the kingdom of God, while also reminding us of God’s enduring mercy and the opportunity for renewal. It invites gratitude for the divine patience that allows us time to bear fruit, and a commitment to respond with repentance and fruitful living. God as the gardener is the voice of mercy. More time is given for the tree and us to bear fruit. The tree can’t do it on its own, so the gardener will take steps to help the tree be fruitful. Similarly, God has taken steps to help us be fruitful. He has sent Jesus to pay the penalty for our sins. He has given us instructions in the Scriptures. Our gardener, God, will fertilize us, nurture us, and pull the weeds that are growing within and around us. However, we must allow God to be our gardener. The question for us is: will we bring our weeds to God and ask him to help us uproot the weeds from our hearts? This Gospel is a message of hope, and of life. It takes effort to walk the path of forgiveness and salvation. God is always on our side. He always sends us help and encouragement in our need to change and live fruitful lives.
Let u s Pray: Faithful God, we pray for the Church, that through its prayers, actions and public statements it may continue to work towards a world where all are free from the pain of hunger and the terror of war. Help us to be true disciples of Jesus, living the gospel and bringing social change in an unjust world. Give us courage to challenge unfair trade systems and pray for those who have the power to make far-reaching decisions affecting the world’s poor. This we pray to the gardener of our lives Jesus our Lord. Amen.