Gospel 

Luke 13:1-9

Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. He said to them in reply,  “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans? By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them–do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!” And he told them this parable:  “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none, he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’ He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it; it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’”

Sermon

My brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus responds to tragic events, emphasizing the urgency of repentance and the danger of complacency.

Key Principles:

1. Misconceptions about Suffering (vv. 1-5)

- Not all suffering is due to individual sin

- All people need repentance

1. The Call to Repentance (vv. 3, 5)

- Turn from sin to avoid spiritual peril

- Universal need for repentance

1. The Parable of the Fig Tree (vv. 6-9)

- God's patience and mercy

- Expectation of spiritual fruit

- Consequences of unfruitfulness

Implications for Us:

- Recognize the universal need for repentance

- Cultivate spiritual fruit through faith and obedience

- Appreciate God's patience and mercy

- Heed the warning of spiritual consequences

Conclusion:

May we bear fruit worthy of repentance.

Reflection Questions:

1. What are areas in your life requiring repentance?

2. How do you cultivate spiritual fruit?

3. How do you respond to God's patience and mercy?

Action Steps:

- Study biblical teachings on repentance (Matthew 3:2, Acts 2:38)

- Evaluate your life for areas needing repentance

- Engage in spiritual disciplines (prayer, fasting, service)

- Seek guidance on cultivating spiritual fruit.

Prayer

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, merciful, and loving God, we come before You, acknowledging our need for repentance. Help us to turn from sin and turn to You. Grant us spiritual fruitfulness through faith and obedience. Thank You for Your patience and mercy. May we bear fruit worthy of repentance.

Additional Prayers:

Act of Contrition 

O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins because of thy just punishments, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve with the help of Thy grace to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen

Prayer for Spiritual Fruitfulness 

Dear Heavenly Father,

We come before You, seeking spiritual fruitfulness. Nurture our spirits with Your Word. Help us to abide in Jesus, the True Vine.

Grant us:

Faith to trust Your goodness

Hope to persevere through trials. Love to serve others selflessly. Joy to radiate Your presence. Peace to calm our troubled hearts. Patience to endure life's challenges. Kindness to show compassion. Goodness to reflect Your character. Faithfulness to stand firm. Gentleness to guide others. Self-control to resist temptation. May our lives bear fruit that honors You.

In Jesus' most holy name, Amen.

Additional prayer points:

• Pray for conviction of sin
• Ask for forgiveness and cleansing.
• Seek guidance on cultivating spiritual fruit.
• Request strength for obedience.
• Reflect on biblical examples of repentance.

Action Steps:

• Study biblical teachings on repentance.
• Evaluate your life for areas needing repentance.
• Engage in spiritual disciplines.
• Seek guidance on cultivating spiritual fruit.

May these prayers guide you in repentance and spiritual growth.

Reflection:

• Identify areas for repentance
• Recognize God's patience and mercy
• Pray for someone struggling with repentance

Key Bible Verses:

"Unless you repent, you will all perish." (Luke 13:3, 5)

"I am the vine, you are the branches. Whoever remains in me bears much fruit." (John 15:5)

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ