Today’s Scripture Readings

Gospel Reading

NRSV

At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, ‘Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.’ Then he told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. So he said to the gardener, “See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?” He replied, “Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig round it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.” ’

Sometimes in our daily living, we want things to happen immediately. We can be impatient for outcomes that will suit our circumstances and forget that there may be other resolutions to situations.

In this parable of the fig tree, we are reminded that we are called to have patience in our lives, to take time to pray, to discern what is best for everyone involved in a particular situation. We need to be aware that good outcomes take time to develop, they may not happen overnight, but by placing a situation in the hands of God, and seeking to do what is best for others, we can deepen the gift of patience and understanding.

Such changes can bring about a depth of resolution which enables our faith to be strengthened. It also enables us to become stronger in our relationships with our sisters and brothers, and so enrich the life of the community in which live and work.

How are we challenged today to exercise patience and understanding within our families, work communities and broader faith communities?