Third Sunday of Lent – Year C 

But unless you repent, you will all perish as they did.  

Reflection 
 
St. Luke is the only Evangelist who mentions these events and the parable of the fig tree that had not borne fruit for three years.  In Luke’s account, Jesus says these words on His way to Jerusalem.  Jesus had just finished speaking about the importance for those with him—and for us as well—to learn and read the times in which we live…and to judge for ourselves what is right.   

In this episode, Jesus nullifies the false belief held by the Jews of His time that the law of retribution dictates that punishment, suffering, and calamities befall a person as a result of their own sins.  

Jesus uses this point to draw the attention of those around Him to the truth that: 

• The consequence of our sin is not related to the sin of another (as was the case with Pilate’s sin in regard to those Galileans). 

• The consequence of our sin is not the cause of a tragedy (as was the case with the eighteen people who were killed when the tower fell on them at Siloam).   

Rather, the consequence of our sin is the decision we take…through our thoughts, words and our own actions. 

• Our judgement will not be subject to the sins of others. 

• Our judgement will not be based on circumstances out of our control. 

Our judgement is bound with the decision we take to remain obstinate in our sin.  Twice Jesus reiterates the same statement: “No, I tell you—but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did.” 

What does it mean to ‘repent’? 

Repentance means to change your ways, change your direction, and sometimes to turn back and begin anew.   

It is in this context that the parable of the fig tree finds its meaning.  The fig tree represents us 

• Who, despite the occasions given to us, continue to choose not to produce the fruit expected from us. 

• Who, despite the time entrusted to us, continue to obstinately refuse to collaborate with God’s will for us. 

What use is a fig tree that doesn’t produce fruit?  What meaning does our life have when we continue to reject the very purpose for which we were created? 

Interestingly, Luke’s account leaves us without a conclusion. We don’t know how the parable ended.  Or rather, we do not know the fig tree’s fate.  Might it be because it still has a chance, especially the chance the Church offers us through Lent:  

• To produce the fruit expected of us? 

• To not remain obstinate in our sins? 

• To collaborate with the Lord’s Will for which we were created? 

• To change our ways and not continue to use up the soil? 

The fate of the fig tree in this parable is not told to us…because it is precisely the consequences of our choices (the judgement) depends on us…they are in our hands! 

Prayer 

Lord, you planted me in the field, and for three whole years you came looking for fruit from me and did not find any. 

Do not allow me to remain obstinate in my sins.  Do not allow my heart to remain closed.  Do not allow me to continue justifying what is wrong within me. 

You know me intimately.  You planted me and looked after me from the beginning.  During this Lent instil in me a sentiment of sorrow for my sins to help me begin again…so that when you come again next year, you will find fruit in me…and I will have truly accomplished the aim for which you planted me.  Amen.