THIRD SUNDAY of LENT

3rd Lent 1

The fig tree in the parable is given one last season to produce fruit. If it still does not bear fruit, the tree will be cut down. The parable tells us of the Gospel of the second chance.

It is always Jesus’ way to give us chance after chance. Our God is a compassionate Father to a man who falls and strives to rise again. He gives us always the opportunity to bear fruit as evidence of our repentance.

But the parable also makes it clear to us that there is a final and last chance. If we refuse chance after chance, if God’s appeal and challenge come again and again fruitless, the day finally comes when we deliberately shut ourselves out and lose the chances.

When we give in to presumption, the false belief that God will do everything for us to be saved without our cooperation, then we are like the fig tree mentioned in the Gospel. We must do the right things for the right reasons.

Yes, our God is a God of chances. But He never tells us when will be our last chance. An opportunity for reprieve is given to us every day and more so this season of Lent. The season of Lent is a call for repentance and conversion. The Lord is a merciful Father, a God who gives us chance after chance. Take that opportunity now.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fray Onz Antonio, OAR

Fray Onz Antonio, OAR

Priest/Religious of the Order of Augustinian Recollects in the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno.