PATIENCE, GROWTH AND FRUITFULNESS

I am pleased with the plants we planted along Killara St at our working bee last year in July. They are looking great and have grown so much. Simon said, he replaced only about three plants which were struggling or had died. The place has been transformed by the flowering plants which are not even a year old.

The gospel passage today tells us the story of a fig tree planted in a vineyard which was not producing any fruit. Instead of cutting it down the patient gardener negotiates with the vineyard owner for another chance and hopes by digging around and manuring it, the fig tree may bear fruit the following year.

We can liken ourselves to the fig tree with a purpose and duty to fulfil. In our world today we speak about rights, but we sometimes conveniently neglect our moral responsibility and duty. We give the impression that God owes us because he created us. At times we go even further by blaming others for our miseries and unhappiness.

Scripture enlightens us about the world in which we live; it is touched by sin and is still evolving - an imperfect world. They are also stories about God trying to reach out to people and to renew the world. God is very patient with us, and extends all sorts of help and makes all kind excuses for us. God even sent his only Son to be our redeemer and saviour.

We have grown accustomed to the idea of fixing and solving. If we cannot fix it or if it all becomes too much problem, we get rid of it or walk away from it. In relationships this is not a very good philosophy to hold to. The human condition is such that we are painfully slow in most areas of growth and there are no quick fixes or easy solutions in life. God is very patient with us, but we too need to take responsibility for our lives so that we can mature and grow, so that our lives can be fruitful. What are you doing to nourish your Christian or faith life? What other things are you doing which will lead you to a fruitful life?

Fr Anthoni ofm

READINGS FOR THIS WEEK
3rd SUNDAY OF LENT
6pm Mass SFX (First Scrutiny)
Ex 17:3-7; Rom 5:1-2, 5-8;
Jn 4:5-42
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Ex 3:1-8,13-15
This is what you must say to the children of Israel: I Am has sent me to you.
1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12
All this that happened to the people of Moses in the desert was written for our benefit.
Lk 13:1-9
Unless you repent you will all perish as they did.

MISSION STATEMENT
We, the people of St Francis Xavier’s & St Clare’s parishes, seek to live Christ-centred lives, celebrating God’s presence & our faith values through worship, outreach, service, justice & hospitality.

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

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