Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, our readings today in this Mass invite us to reflect deeply on the themes of grace, patience, discernment, and the nature of our relationships with one another as members of the Body of Christ. In the letter to the Ephesians, we are reminded that “grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.” This grace calls us to bear fruit in our lives—not for our own sake but for the building up of the Kingdom of God. Each of us has a unique role in this endeavor, be it as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, or teachers. We are called to work together in love, growing into the fullness of Christ.
Yet, as we strive to fulfill our call, we often encounter situations where the fruit we desire to see seems elusive. Today’s Gospel teaches us about a fig tree that, for three years, has failed to bear any fruit. In frustration, the owner wishes to cut it down, but the gardener intercedes, asking for just one more year of care and cultivation. This parable serves as a powerful metaphor for our relationships, especially with those who may resist repentance or seem stagnant in their faith.
Jesus adds another layer to our understanding when He speaks of the Galileans and the tower at Siloam, reminding us that suffering does not always result from greater sinfulness. Our suffering and trials are part of the universal human experience—and the necessity of repentance is a call to all. In this, Jesus teaches us that our patience is not just passive waiting; it is an active engagement anchored in love.
However, we must also confront the reality that not everyone will respond to this call to grow. In such moments, how do we discern when to walk away from someone resistant to change? Jesus himself instructs us to “shake the dust off our feet” in the face of rejection. This directive is not to be taken as an act of abandonment or hostility, but rather as a recognition of boundaries in our relationships. It is a reminder that while we extend grace, we are not responsible for the reception of that grace by others.
When we encounter individuals who refuse to listen or change, particularly when it comes to submitting to the authority of the Gospel, we recognize that our role is not to judge but to embody grace. Like the gardener, we may plead for patience, but if there is persistent refusal to heed the call of Christ, we must lovingly step back, shaking off the dust of disappointment yet holding onto hope for their future transformation.
Boundaries are crucial; they protect both our spiritual well-being and that of the other. By carefully discerning when to step back, we create a space for the Holy Spirit to work. We do not abandon these individuals; instead, we set aside our expectations and allow God’s grace to reach them in His own time.
While I was taking my daily walk along the Tiber River here in Rome, I once asked our Lord in prayer what I could do to better help the young students I am accompanying on their way to Solemn Vows and Ordination, and his response was a loving but firm; “Stay out of my way.” This is so true. It is the Lord who transforms hearts, and our job to stay out of his way. We cannot be overbearing, possessive, or even invasive with our desire for
the good of the other. Rather, there comes a point where one has to step back in faith and allow the Lord to continue journeying with that brother or sister.
At the same time, as we think of the Body of Christ, we must remember our interconnectedness. Paul teaches us that as each part performs its function, the Church builds itself up in love. We cannot do this work alone; we need one another. And it is through this mutual support that true transformation begins.
Patience means engaged love, and often it means prayerful contemplation. We need to invest in cultivating the soil around the fig tree—engaging in honest conversations, providing gentle yet firm reminders, and creating spaces where truth can be shared lovingly. Each moment we encounter these challenging situations, becomes an opportunity for growth—for ourselves and for the other.
As we navigate these complexities, let us remember that the source of all change towards good is God’s grace. We would be wise then to life up our hearts and prayers to him continually, entrusting all those who resist conversion, into the heart of our Lord Jesus, through the intercession of our Blessed Mother. In the meanwhile let us also humbly recognize our own great need for mercy, to be merciful and the grace to continue to allow God to make our hearts more like his own – generous, truthful, and always full of charity. Amen.
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