The variety of Fertilizer given to us to bear the Fruit

Gospel Thoughts

29th Week : Saturday

GOSPEL Luke 13:1-9

First Reading - Eph 4:7-16

The variety of Fertilizer given to us to bear the Fruit

*1) Our life is like a fig tree*

The person who planted the fig tree with a purpose - to bear abundant fruit. 

The tree was not planted without any purpose. So if it fails to bear fruit it will be cut down 

God has sent us to this world with a purpose. That is to live a holy life, to love Him, to serve Him and to attain eternal life. That is the fruit that we need to get from our life.

*2) The tree was given one more chance*

Even though the tree failed to bear fruit, still the gardener gave one more chance to the tree. 

This chance also comes with all possibilities to bear abundant fruit

The Gardner gave all the possible fertilizers and proper amount of water and created an atmosphere which would be very conducive to bear fruit

So the chance comes with all the possible things where the tree has to produce the fruit, and there is no excuse for the tree, not to bear the fruit.

In spite of all these possibilities if the tree still fails to bear the fruit, it will be cut down. It has no right to exist, because it will be a burden to the fertile mud. 

Our life is similar to this fig tree, where we get one more chance, with all the possibilities to bear fruit. If we fail, then we lose everything.

*3) Christian life gives variety and rich amount of fertilizers*

Christian life primarily gives us so many varieties of fertilizers to  grow and to bear fruit. The following are some of the rich fertilizers which we get

*A) The fertilizer of Baptism*

This is one of the best fertilizer which we get at the early stage to grow and to have healthy spiritual life. This becomes a foundation for our all round development and a kind of vaccine to protect ourselves and to have a healthy growth

*B) The fertilizer of Reconciliation*

The sacrament of reconciliation is a great fertilizer to boost our spiritual life. This sacrament gives us forgiveness, God's mercy and grace in order to live a new life and to produce abundant fruit. 

*C) The fertilizer of confirmation*

Once again to receive all the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit 

This sacrament gives us the special fertilizer to grow and to become strong in our faith life

*D) The fertilizer of Eucharist*

This one of the sacraments which we can receive every day. 

We can imagine the amount of spirtual energy, strength and grace (fertilizer) we receive which we can very well made use of the produce much fruit. 

Tremendous spiritual energy we can get through these sacraments

*E) The Fertilizer of the Word of God*

Today we can read and meditate the Word of God in our own mother tongues. 

The amount of energy, and the spiritual inspiration and motivation that we receive from the Word of God can help us to produce much fruit if we use it in a proper sense.

*F) The Fertilizer of Sacramental  Adoration*

One of ways to feel the presence of power of Jesus in our day to day life. 

We also receive tremendous spiritual energy (fertilizer) to make our life fruitful

*G) The Fertilizer of Retreat, Prayer, Devotinal Singing*

These above mentioned things can make us to produce abundant fruit in our day to day life. 

*4) Tremendous amount of Spiritual Fertilizers we receive*

From the moment we begin our life the amount of spiritual fertilizers, which we receive through the sacraments and other things, unimaginable.

What happens to this spiritual fertilizers in my life? 

Does my life use them to yield abundant fruit or not? 

Do I realise that these spiritual fertilizers are the special gifts from the Lord to produce much fruit in life? 

*5) Fertilizers have a special strengths to produce fruit*

Fertilizers have a special capacity to make the soil fruitful and make the tree to produce much fruit

Secondly fertilizers have the capacity to produce quick results. That is the nature of the fertilizers. 

If so how does the spiritual fertilizers work in my life? 

Do I or My life allows them to produce fruit or not? 

*Better to reflect this deep and relevant thought for my life*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*