Thursday, March 21
Bad things happen. A hurricane ravages Puerto Rico. A gunman massacres young people in a South Florida school. Wildfires destroy Paradise.
We live in a world where bad things happen. Innocent people get hurt. But Jesus teaches us that this is not the judgment of God. Instead, Jesus warns us to repent and bear the fruit of love. God is not quick to judge. God does not lash out in violence. God is the patient vineyard owner, continually nurturing us – his stubborn fig tree. In this Lenten season, let us bloom and bring love to our church, our neighbors, our community, and our world. The fig tree exists to bear fruit. What will you bring to the table?
Prayer: Holy God, we thank you for your patience and your steadfast love. Help us grow and cultivate us in the image of your only son Jesus Christ, so that we may bear the fruit of love. Amen.
Anthony Mague