All those who have grown any type of plant knows that one has to get down into the dirt - getting hands - fingers - dirty. So many times - plants needing fertilizer - additional nutrients - time - to be given the best chance to blossom. Getting deep into the project - planting - creating - all success - comes only after serious effort. In Today's Gospel - a fig tree - barren - no fruit - about to be destroyed - the gardener - asks for more time - to fertilize - add nutrients - give it another chance.
As we reflect on our lives this Lent - as many challenge us - judge us harshly - failures - weak - ready to throw us aside - ourselves included - need to remember God does not make junk. All of us - pearls - sometimes hidden in the soil of life - buried under - sick minds - sick hearts - disillusionment - beat up - beat down - seeking to be fertilized - given that spiritual boost - set back on the path to fullness of life. As we honestly consider what we have done - what we have failed to do - where our successes lay - we need to realize - understand - in our weakest moments - that is when we need to ask Jesus for help. On bent knees - hearts in hand - we look up - offer up to Him - our lives. Take us Lord - as weak as we are - as incomplete as we may be - mold us - make us - into your Divine image. Jesus we trust in you - Bless us this day and all days - Amen.
