Twenty-Ninth Sunday of Ordinary Time, October 26, 2024

Reflection on the WORD

Gratitude to God’s Gifts: In today’s Gospel, Jesus proclaimed the “Parable of the Fig Tree” to point out that if a tree does not bear fruit, it should be cut down.” Ponder on: God has given us many gifts, talents and blessings, and if we do not or misuse them, for our self-centred living, we may lose them, or God may take them away from us.

Luke 13:6-9

Jesus told this parable, ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it but found none. He said to the man who looked after the vineyard, “Look here, for three years now I have been coming to look for fruit on this fig tree and finding none. Cut it down: why should it be taking up the ground?”

“Sir,” the man replied, “leave it one more year and give me time to dig round it and manure it: it may bear fruit next year; if not, then you can cut it down.” ’

Today's Pointers on God's Word

As you read the passage what words, phases or meanings caught your attention?

  • We are sometimes like the fig tree: planted by the Lord to produce ‘fruit’ in order to feed those who are in need. 
  • However, if our branches remain bare and fruitless, it is because we are influenced by the secular world around us.  The “energy” that is within us fails to bring forth good fruit. 
  • Jesus gives us innumerable chances while on earth to bear fruit though we do not deserve it. Can we not repay His kindness by producing the fruit of compassion which pleases Him so?