REPENT AND REJOICE - 10/22/22 (Memorial of Saint John Paul II, pope)

Luke 13:7-9

“‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’ He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’”  

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102222.cfm

Blessed Memorial of St. John Paul II! One reason why some people neglect the importance of following God's commandments and perseverance in virtues is because we may have different priorities in life. Some may be too focused on material goods like health and wealth. Unfortunately, because of this, they may fear suffering even more than sins. When we do not see that our purpose in life is to love God and be united with Him, it will be easier for us to fall to numerous temptations. In the gospel reading, Jesus speaks of a parable where the fig tree is supposed to be cut down. This represents the state of souls who endanger themselves to eternal hell due to grave sins. We may recognize our dark past due to our sins which offend our Lord. And yet, as explained in the parable, there is one person who decide to be patient with the tree, to cultivate the soil and wait for it to bear fruit in the future. This represents the mercy of Jesus Christ because despite our sins, He is always giving us opportunities to repent of them and to start a new life with Christ. 

The more that Jesus sees our weaknesses and sinfulness, the more that He desires for our salvation. He doesn't desire our eternal death although some people freely choose to reject God and heaven even at the last moment of their lives. Let's not waste this opportunity, but take this as an invitation from God to be a better person. May we receive the infinite mercy of Christ in the sacrament of confession, especially if we are aware that we have committed grave sins. Through our conscience, God speaks to us and draws us to Him because He loves us. At the same time, we should imitate the love of Christ as we love other people. Parents should be inspired by the love of God to teach the Catholic faith to their children and to teach them the importance of prayers, especially the holy rosary. St. John Paul II was an intellectual, and he had many gifts from God. Still, he depended on God in his prayers, and he also entrusted himself with confidence to the intercession of our Mother Mary. The Blessed Virgin Mary always prays for our faith to bear fruit and for us to be united with her Son, Jesus Christ. Let's rejoice because of God's offer of repentance and through this, we will have a deeper knowledge of the mercy of our Lord for us. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Life of St. John Paul II:

https://mycatholic.life/saints/saints-of-the-liturgical-year/october-22---st-john-paul-ii-pope/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/