First Reading - Ephesians 4:7-16
Gospel - Luke 13:1-9
The catch phrase "I do it for Christ" is from one of the interviews to St. Teresa of Kolkata, when she was asked about her work to the poor, abandoned, sick and elderly. The phrase of the Saint - I do it for Christ - reminds that her gift to serve and love the poor, the sick, and the abandoned, was motivated and inspired by Christ and they were done for Christ. Through, her gift, certainly she has led many to Christ and this is how she contributed to the building of the Body of Christ. The readings of today invite us to employ our gifts in order to build the Body of Christ.
The first reading centers around two keys ideas that assert that Jesus is a divine person; firstly, Jesus as a divine person has vested on each one with the gifts in order to build up His Body (the Church). Secondly, the individuals as members of the of body of Christ must promote the unity and love among themselves which qualify them as the children of God. The emphasis of Paul, to recognise the individual gifts and employ them for the Church, also points to the necessity of considering the gifts given for a purpose. Paul also underlines the importance of each member as the Body of Christ and encourages the members to reinforce it by their gifts.
The gospel gives a beautiful account of the continuing patience of God in seeking our return to him. Jesus dramatises the expectations of God from the possible repentants through the parable of the fig tree. Jesus indicates two things through the parable; firstly, the end time is imminent and inevitable which is referred to by the removing of the fig tree; secondly, God patiently gives chances to the sinners for their return which is indicated by allowing the fig tree to grow for one year more for its fruits. The symbolism of the fig tree not bearing any fruits also depicts that the sinful life can not bear any spiritual fruits. There requires a change.
Dear friends, the readings of today invite us to give serious thoughts to our life. Paul reminds us that each of us is an indispensable member of the Body of Christ. It's to say, we together form the Church where Christ stands as the head of it. Therefore, it's our primary duty to use our gifts and talents in order to contribute to the building of it. At times, we consider our gifts as ways to parrade our superiority or giftedness. Sometimes, we use them for our self glory or for the recognition from others. Paul reminds us that our gifts are with a purpose to build up the Body of Christ. Hence, they must be employed in such a manner that God's glory is evoked and through them many are led to Christ and this is how we can build up the Body of Christ.
The gospel passage also draws our attention that we are accountable to God for the life and the gifts we have received. He waits patiently and gives us chances to bear fruits in due time. This also means that our gifts will bear fruits when they are used in a right way and for a noble cause. Let's not exploit our gifts for selfish purposes but understanding the importance and purpose of it utilize them for the glory of God and for the building the Body of Christ.
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