St. John of Capistrano, priest, religious, missionary


Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:

Romans 8:1-11
Psalm 24:1-6
Luke 13:1-9


A reflection on today's Scripture:

If we don't repent, we will perish. (see: Luke 13:5)

St. Paul echoes Christ's teaching that believers in Him must live differently from the rest of humanity. They are to begin living Christ's life through obedience to the Holy Spirit, His Spirit of grace sent to indwell them. Christians need not wait for death to taste the blessings of eternal life. Prompted and empowered by the Spirit, they can begin now to participate in God's holiness, live in His love, truth, justice and peace.

Obedience to our prideful, perverse flesh rather than the Spirit has reduced this world to a deep valley, darkened by greed, hatred, lust, murder, disease and disasters. We pillage, befoul, exploit and abuse the earth and one another; then we wonder why there is increased violence and rebellion in nature and within and between humans.

Yet despite the increasing, worldwide rejection of God, our Father's offer of salvation and His merciful patience endure. We see this in Christ's parable of the barren fig tree occupying space that would be better given to one that is fruitful. Rather than immediately cutting it down, its owner consented to continue giving it care and nurture in hopes it would later become productive.

Still, one wonders how many seasons a barren tree will be allowed to stand.

Merciful God,
nourished by Your love,
make us to bring forth bountiful fruit
unto eternal life.
Amen.

- Marie L. Bocko OCDS