Luke 13:1-9
1 At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. 4 Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.”
6 Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. 7 So he said to the gardener, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ 8 He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.’”
Patience, but not negligence
We remember how Jesus teaches by using parables to help His audience understand the essence of His teaching. This parable helps us reflect on the good fruits that God expects from every believer. The parable refers to the patient landowner, the diligent gardener, the land, the fig tree and the fertilizer.
The landowner has the right to get the best fruit from the trees of his field in due time. He doesn't accept that the land is wasted by barren trees. He would rather uproot it and plant fruitful ones.
The gardener is aware of the landowner's justified desire, but he begs his master to be patient. He asks for a year to take better care of the tree and fertilize it in the hope that it will produce the desired fruits, otherwise he will cut it down.
How shall we read this parable in the Church today?
The landowner is "Jesus Christ, who is the same yesterday, today and forever" Hebrew 13:8.
The tree represents the believer, who is expected to invest his or her talents and produce the best fruits.
The farmer is those who are ordained to care for the faithful under the supervision of their Master. The Lord expects them to work hand in hand with Him, as He does in this parable. The farmer shows awareness and readiness to help the tree produce fruits. He wants to give it special attention with the best means to use the land. He seeks to obtain agreeable fruits and a good return on his investment.
Where are we in this parable? Are the ordained servants aware of and ready to take special care of those who don't bear good fruit?
Let us pray for ourselves as believers and the ordained servants to emulate this faithful and careful gardener.
Lent is a special season to examine ourselves as believers. What quality of fruits do we offer to the Lord? As ordained servants, what is the quality of our pastoral fruits? How can we best improve service to invest the promises of our vocation?
The Lord loves those who work loyally and carefully for His glory. The Lord remains patient and merciful, but He wants to see His faithful be productive and that their fruits will remain. John 15:16, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you."