Mumbai Catholic Charismatic Renewal | (CCR)
We are in the last lap of the Year of Mercy and have surely received many graces and indulgences for promoting mercy.
Today’s Gospel depicts exactly what I came across in a quote that said: ‘Grace is getting what we do not deserve and Mercy is not receiving what we do deserve.’
The fig tree was spared only because of the gardener’s (Jesus’) earnest plea for time to tend and manure it (Focus). For a tree to bear fruit, we need to work at the root. Are we rooted in Christ, his word and his Spirit? Only then can we bear good fruit. It is by our fruit that we will be known (Mt 7:16).
The First Reading emphasizes that faithfulness to Christ in our job or ministry builds up the body of Christ. Then, through our talents and abilities, we serve others and thus give glory to our heavenly Father. As we repent, watch and pray let’s be grateful to God, for his mercies are new every morning.
I’m ever grateful to God for healing my spouse of cancer, and fifteen more years of life already granted, besides so many other unmerited mercies.
Yes like the fig tree we are often spared the axe only by God’s mercy and love.
Fruit: Like Jesus I will be merciful and forgive my brother or sister and be patient despite their shortcomings.
