First Reading - Exodus 3:1-8,13-15
Second Reading - 1 Corinthians 10:1-6,10-12
Gospel - Luke 13:1-9
In the first reading, we encounter Moses at the burning bush. God reveals Himself as the one who has seen the suffering of His people and has come to rescue them. This encounter marks a turning point in Moses' life. He is called to be God's instrument of liberation. God also reveals His name, "I AM WHO I AM," showing that He is ever-present, unchanging, and faithful. Just as God called Moses, He calls each of us to recognize His presence and respond to His mission in our lives.
The second reading reminds us of Israel’s journey in the wilderness. Paul warns the Corinthians that although the Israelites experienced God's blessings, many of them fell because of their sins. This serves as a lesson for us: God's grace is abundant, but we must not take it for granted. We are called to remain faithful and avoid complacency in our spiritual lives.
The Gospel presents a call to repentance. People inform Jesus about the tragic death of some Galileans, expecting Him to explain why they suffered. Instead of giving a direct answer, Jesus challenges them to reflect on their own lives. He reminds them that everyone must repent, not just those who suffer misfortunes. To illustrate this, He tells the parable of the barren fig tree. The owner wants to cut it down because it has not produced fruit, but the gardener pleads for more time to nurture it. This represents God's patience with us, giving us opportunities to change and bear good fruit.
Dear friends, today’s readings remind us that God is merciful but also just. He sees our struggles and suffering, just as He saw the suffering of His people in Egypt. He calls us, as He called Moses, to be instruments of His love and justice. But He also warns us, through Paul and the Gospel, not to be complacent in our faith.
Like the fig tree, we are given time to grow and bear fruit. However, this time is not unlimited. The call to repentance is urgent. It is not enough to assume we are safe just because we have faith or religious practices. True faith must bear fruit in our lives—through love, kindness, and a commitment to God’s will.
Let us examine our hearts. Are we truly bearing fruit in our lives? Are we responding to God's call, as Moses did? Are we using the time and grace given to us wisely, or are we delaying our conversion?
May we take Jesus' words seriously and use this time of grace to turn back to God. Let us not wait until it is too late. Instead, let us allow God's mercy to transform us so that we may bear abundant fruit for His kingdom.
Let us pray for the grace to recognize God's presence, repent sincerely, and live fruitful lives in His service.
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