In Jesus time it was believed that when bad things happened to people, it was because they were great sinners. Then Jesus tells them the story of the landowner who wanted to cut down a fig tree because it never bore fruit. The gardener asks for mercy and an extension of one year to see if he can fertilize it to see if he can get it to bear fruit.
This is a very reassuring story for all of us who are sinners. Jesus wants us to bear fruit in this life. He is willing to till our soil to help us grow. He’s willing to give us extra time also to bear fruit for our God.
Some people who experience difficulty in this life think God is out to get them. Thanks to Jesus we know that this is never the case. He teaches us that God loves us and is always ready to welcome us back to himself. Not only that, he is willing to fertilize us with his grace to give us the strength needed to repent and return to him.
DeColores, Deacon Doug
