By Thomas T, IVD –
Readings: Rom 8: 1-11, Lk 13: 1-9
Today’s readings are inviting us to meditate on the theme “Repentance”. The first reading emphasizes that we are called to keep our spirits pure and Holy. Our focus should be on the Spirit than that on our mortal bodies. It’s the Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead; we need to rise from our sinful life to awaken the Spirit within us to experience new life with Jesus.
In the Gospel, the parable of barren fig tree shows that, repentance is to be aware of one’s own weakness. Weakness differs according to each person’s background. But the tragedy of our repentance is that, when I am aware of my weakness, I demand others also to do the same.
Judging others to follow the same way of living is not the solution to live a moral life. The parable reminds us that each one of us is responsible to know our weakness and deal with it to overcome it and bear fruits.