3rd Sunday of Lent - Cycle C

Luke 13:1-9

“...it may bear fruit in the future” (Luke 13:9)

Repentance, renewal, and revitalization. These words have described my Lenten journey thus far. It has been challenging, yet life-giving. 

For much of my life, Lent was a dreadful season which I’d stumble my way through. Fasting was usually a struggle, and when it wasn’t, it was often because I wasn’t really trying. I’d sleepwalk through Lent, arriving at Holy Week feeling the weight of many missed opportunities for conversion and growth. I had a feeling this year was going to be one of those experiences, and it has been. 

This week’s Gospel prompted a lot of reflection about the patience and dedication Jesus has when it comes to our growth. We can go months, even years, without bearing fruit for the Kingdom, or even in our daily lives. But when we ask for forgiveness and growth, Jesus gives them to us. 

This Lent has been full of steps, both forward and backward, but at every request for a chance to cultivate fruit and growth, Jesus has gladly accepted and joyfully embraced me. 

Notice that the gardener in the Gospel doesn’t just ask for another season to see if the fig tree will produce fruit; rather he offers a plan of practicals. In all honesty, when I read this parable, my initial reaction is, “Well why wasn’t he doing those to begin with?” But I think when we step back and take an honest look at our lives, the same can be asked of us.

I am so grateful that we have a gardener (which, fun fact, is a common image for Jesus in Scripture and sacred art! See John 20:15) who advocates for us, invites us into a time of renewal with a plan, and has the patience to give us many opportunities for bearing fruit. 

Whether this has felt like a great Lent or not, Jesus is with you. I invite you to allow the rest of Lent to be a time of cultivation with Him, in the hard times and the easy alike, so we may arrive at Easter Sunday together joyfully, ready to celebrate the life Jesus has won for us and invites us to.