The Gospel for the Third Sunday of Lent presents a compelling invitation to repentance through Jesus’ response to tragic events: the slaughter of Galileans by Pilate and the collapse of the Tower of Siloam. Jesus challenges the belief that suffering is always a consequence of sin, making it clear that those who perished were not worse sinners than others. Rather, He emphasizes the universal call to repentance: “Unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.” This message reframes the question from “Why do bad things happen?” to “Are we prepared to meet God?” Repentance, therefore, is not punishment—it is invitation.
Jesus continues with the parable of the barren fig tree, a symbolic image of God’s people and a broader call to fruitfulness. The fig tree, unproductive for three years, is not immediately cut down. Instead, the gardener intercedes for it, asking for one more year to nurture it, offering a second chance. This speaks of God’s patience and mercy, showing that divine justice is never rushed but always tempered with compassion. It also places the responsibility back on us: what are we doing with the grace God gives us? Are we producing fruit in our lives?
The reflection draws a connection between the urgency of repentance and the slow, ongoing nature of conversion. Like turning a massive ship, turning our hearts toward God takes time and perseverance. Conversion is not a one-time event but a daily choice—an act of turning away from distractions and toward the love and truth of Christ. In the words shared, there’s also an acknowledgment of God’s loving patience, as echoed in the gardener’s plea: “Let it alone for one more year.” This reassures us that God continues to believe in us even when we fail, offering us time, space, and grace to grow.
Ultimately, this Gospel invites us not to fear God’s judgment but to embrace His mercy. It encourages us to reflect on where we are in our Lenten journey, and whether we’ve been attentive to the inner work of transformation. Even if we’ve faltered, the invitation still stands to “begin again.” As we listen to Jesus’ words and contemplate the fig tree, we are reminded that repentance is about realigning our lives with God’s vision—a chance to respond anew to His love, to bear fruit, and to live more deeply in communion with Him.
Journal and reflect on the following:
What does repentance mean to me personally, and how have I experienced it as an ongoing journey rather than a one-time event?
Jesus challenges the idea that suffering is always tied to personal sin. How does this change the way I view hardship or the suffering of others?
In the parable, the gardener asks for more time for the fig tree to bear fruit. How have I experienced God's patience in my life?
Where in my life do I feel “unfruitful” or spiritually stagnant, and what steps can I take to nourish those areas with God’s grace?
Do I sometimes delay responding to God’s call to change because I believe there will always be more time? What holds me back from acting now?
How can I be more attentive during this Lenten season to the small, daily opportunities to turn toward God and away from distractions?
In what ways can I help others—like the gardener in the parable—by encouraging and supporting their spiritual growth with compassion and hope?
Discuss
Song - Clean
Final Prayer
Lord of mercy and patience, we come before You like the fig tree, longing to bear fruit yet aware of our need for Your grace. Thank You for not giving up on us, for nurturing us with compassion, and for granting us time to turn our hearts back to You. Help us to live lives of true repentance—not out of fear, but out of love for You. May Your Spirit work within us to transform our hearts, deepen our trust, and lead us to bear fruit that gives glory to Your name. Amen.
