Repent to Bear Fruits

This week in breaking the word of God, Fr. Dom highlighted the themes presented in the Gospel of Luke (13: 1-9) – repentance and the mercy of God. Jesus illustrates the importance of repentance through the parable of the fig tree and shows that God is merciful. 

“There is no sin that God’s mercy cannot reach and wipe away when it finds a repentant heart seeking to be reconciled with the Father.”  Pope Francis

We have a merciful God who is willing to give us another chance, another day to turn away from sin and nourish ourselves through the word of God so that we may bear fruit. However, our time is limited. If we do not repent – we too will perish.

Death is imminent explained Fr. Dom. He said Jesus is explaining that everyone dies- saint or sinner but those who do not repent will perish. We do not know when death will come; our time is limited. We need to repent while we still can.

Fr. Dom explained that the imagery of the vinedresser and the tree could be us. Some of us are in positions to nurture others in the way of Christ. We have the responsibility of helping others to turn to God and bear fruit.

Some of us could also be the tree that is not bearing fruits. We have been fruitless because we have not cooperated with the grace of God and have been sidetracked by our own goals and pursuits. We have not nourished ourselves with the word of God and all the sacraments to strengthen us to bear fruits.

 “Repentance signifies regret, change of mind. The distinguishing marks of repentance are contrition, tears, aversion towards sin, and love of the good.”
St. Nectarios of Aegina