WK-3 LOOKING FOR SIGNS OF HOPE DURING THIS LENTEN SEASON!

Prof./Evangel. Michael Howard, MACS

The Third Sunday of Lent

The gardener said to [Jesus] in reply, '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. If not you can cut it down.'" (Lk. 13:1-9) 

"Surely we need to "abound in hope" (cf. Rom 15:13), so that we may bear credible and attractive witness to the faith and love that dwell in our heartss; that our faith may be joyful and our charity enthusiastic; and that each of us may be able to offer a smile, a small gesture of friendship, a kind look, a ready ear, a good deed, in the knowledge that, in the Spirit of Jesus, these can become, for those who receive them, rich seeds of hope." MAY HOPE FILL YOUR HEARTS Pope Francis (Article 18)

Jesus' parables leave much room (or freedom) for legitimate-but-different interpretations. In this Sunday’s parable, the Barren Fig Tree, which is a familiar one, I saw something interesting using my catholic imagination. For me, understanding the meaning of this parable is enhanced by recognizing how it relates to the first half of today's Gospel reading, which calls for repentance. In Luke 13:1-5, we are urged to repent of our sins or perish. In verse 13:8, the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree presents the gardener, who says to Jesus, "Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it." The gardener asks Jesus to show patience with the barren fig tree, and Jesus demonstrates this by allowing the gardener time to cultivate and fertilize the ground around it.

Fast forward to our contemporary world. I would like you to explore the actions of the Gardener. She embodies H.O.P.E: Holding Onto Patience Everlasting. Pope Francis emphasized the importance of "bearing credible and attractive witness to the faith and love that dwell in our hearts." It’s worth noting that the gardener does not receive monetary payment for her services in this parable; instead, she demonstrates enthusiastic charity. She doesn't even own the Fig Tree, yet she steps up to the plate, saying, here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.

By showing faith and love, essential qualities today, the gardener epitomizes walking by faith and hoping against hope. She believes that after tending to the ground, the fig tree will bear the Fruit of the Spirit: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Gal. 5:22-23).

Can we work in tandem with the Gardener today during this Season of Lent? Can you plant rich seeds of hope, offer a smile, a small gesture of friendship, a kind look, a ready ear, or a good deed? Can you abound in hope by volunteering at the Church Rectory to assist the Pastor and the secretary during the week? Can you tutor a child in reading or doing math? Perhaps you can call one person on the sick list from your church bulletin.

"Hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us" (Rom. 5:5). You will not be disappointed when you Hope because God's love will flow out of your heart into your neighbor, healing their land, yielding good fruit. The Gardener!

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