We are a joyful community of disciples proclaiming the Good News and inviting all people to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.
"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."
(Luke 13:8)
Useless or Useful
The word “useless” in the Gospel stands out to me today. When I write an article like this for you, I ask someone to read it because I don’t see my mistakes. Some words or phrases I write don’t make sense and are useless to the reader.
It makes me think about how many of my actions and behaviors are helpful to me but useless to Jesus. Sometimes I need to pause and reflect on my behaviors to see what is motivating my thoughts and decisions.
The parable reminds us that time is crucial. We must bear good fruit of patience, kindness, and mercy (Jesus' heart), just as the owner sought figs on his tree.
Reflect on a time when things became tense with someone. All they needed was a little patience and for you to listen and understand. Or recall an experience when someone sought your attention because you were important to them, but something else drew your focus away.
Picture that scene with Jesus. Notice what changes when you put people before your tasks. The gardener was given an extra year to care for the fig tree and help it bear good fruit. Make good use of the Lord’s patience with you. You’ll be amazed at how much things can improve.
It makes me think about how many of my actions and behaviors are helpful to me but useless to Jesus. Sometimes I need to pause and reflect on my behaviors to see what is motivating my thoughts and decisions.
The parable reminds us that time is crucial. We must bear good fruit of patience, kindness, and mercy (Jesus' heart), just as the owner sought figs on his tree.
Reflect on a time when things became tense with someone. All they needed was a little patience and for you to listen and understand. Or recall an experience when someone sought your attention because you were important to them, but something else drew your focus away.
Picture that scene with Jesus. Notice what changes when you put people before your tasks. The gardener was given an extra year to care for the fig tree and help it bear good fruit. Make good use of the Lord’s patience with you. You’ll be amazed at how much things can improve.
When has patience, kindness and mercy strengthened your love for Jesus and people?
Lord Jesus, I praise you for sharing your Sacred Heart with us all the moments of our life. Amen.
Reflection by:
Father Rick Pilger, I.C. first thought of being a priest in the 6th grade. He fainted while serving the 6:15 am Mass in the school chapel and his first thought was, “I want to be a priest.” It stuck with him throughout grade school, and in high school he met Fr. Jim Gordon, who introduced him to the Institute of Charity. He completed his novitiate in 1973 and seminary studies in England from 1973 to 1979. He was ordained by Bishop Edward O’Rourke in 1979. He has been assigned to Corpus Christi Church in Galesburg, IL, Sacred Heart Church in Bradenton, FL, and has been at Blessed Sacrament Church in Seminole, FL from 1995 to the present. He finds it to truly be a blessing to be a priest all these years. God is Good! All the Time!