Consequences of not Repenting oneself

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twenty Ninth Week : Saturday*

*Gospel : Lk 13:1-9*

*First Reading : Eph 4:7-16*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 122:1-2, 3-4ab, 4cd-5*

*Consequences of not Repenting oneself*

*1) A Call for Repentance*

In the Gospel of the day we have a call from Jesus for repentance

In fact we find this call in the mission and in ministry of Jesus 

Jesus starts His ministry by giving a call for repenting ones life

Jesus said *The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel* Mk 1:15

*2) Two great tragedies in today's Gospel*

We have two great tragedies in today's Gospel 

The cruelty of Pilot, which murdered many people - the Galileans 

The second instance is the collapse of the tower at Siloam, which fell on the people and 18 of them died

Both these tragedies, end up in destruction of life  

*3) Consequences of Non Repentance*

Jesus takes the above two instances and connects to the aspect of repentance

In the above incidents we saw the destruction of life 

Similarly one who does not repent will be destroyed like those persons 

Failure to repent will have severe consequences. That's why through these two examples Jesus wans us seriously

*4) Repentance and the Fig tree*

The Gospel of the day also speaks about the fig tree, in the context of repentance

The fig tree failed to bear the desired fruit. That's why the owner wanted to cut it down 

But Providentially, the fig tree gets a year of extension to prove its eligibility

*5) Lessons from the Fig tree*

Its very clear that, God does not wish the destruction of his children

Like the Fig tree, He gives one more chance to prove our worth 

So, all of us get this chance for repentance to change our life and to bear fruit 

*6) The immediate action*

The fig tree got a year of extension to prove its worth. 

Therefore, the Gardner need to cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it, in order to hear fruit 

This action requires immediate response. No time to waste 

My life has got one more chance for repentance. There is no much time is left. Life needs a immediate action 

As a Gardner I must cultivate the ground arround my life and need to fertilize it 

This action needs to be done immediately for the repentance and to change my life 

Am I ready for this challenging task?*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*