3rd Sunday in Lent
“Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future.”
Reflection
Repent. Bear fruit. These two actions encompass the message of the Gospel and the invitation of Lent. To not be overly concerned with the actions of others, as the people in today’s Gospel are preoccupied with the Galileans, but to instead remain focused on what the Lord is asking of us in our lives: repent and bear fruit. Through the act of repentance, we recognize our sin, turn away from it, and return to the Lord. It is like the pruning of a tree: bearing more fruit requires us to remove what is dead and limits our growth. Then we are able to bear more fruit in our lives. St. Paul, in his letter, to the Galatians, writes: “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (5:22). This list is not exhaustive of what it means to be fruitful as a Christian, but it is a sound way to reflect on our lives. Trying to turn from sin, endeavoring to stay rooted in Jesus Christ and His Sacraments, and growing in relationship with Him in prayer should be reflected in how we live. Just as a tree naturally produces good fruit when given all it needs, our lives will also bear good fruit in our words and actions. We might still struggle. But when we fail, we can repent and continue again, with great hope and trust in the Lord who is willing to give us more time to “bear fruit in the future” (Lk 13:9).
Discussion Questions
Are there any ways you see yourself preoccupied with others? What might the message of the Lord be to you about that today?
How fruitful do you feel you have been this Lent? Is there anything you could change or try to bear more fruit?
Take a minute to reflect on the list of fruit from Galatians 5:22. Is there one fruit you would like to exhibit more in your life? Ask the Holy Spirit to help you focus on that this week.
