Gospel of the Day
A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Saint Luke 13:1–9
At that time, some people came and told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with that of their sacrifices.
Jesus said to them:
“Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no; but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.
Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no; but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way.”
Then He told them this parable:
“A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it but found none. He said to the vine-dresser, ‘Look, for three years now I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down! Why should it use up the soil?’
But the vine-dresser replied, ‘Sir, leave it alone this year also, until I dig around it and fertilise it. Perhaps it will bear fruit next year. If not, you can cut it down.’”
A Few Adjustments
Lord, You are the vine-dresser—digging around and spreading manure around our marriage so that it may bear abundant fruit.
Here we are, complaining when things hurt or smell unpleasant between us. But that’s because we don’t understand how to make the most of the “manure” of difficult situations for a greater good.
Lord, help us embrace the trials You permit around us as a way to bear fruit.
Applying It to Married Life
Shopkeeper: Good morning! What can I do for you?
Vine-dresser: I came for some sacks of manure.
Shopkeeper: Of course! Which types would you like?
Vine-dresser: I’ll take two of “harsh replies,” one of “indifference,” three of “constant contradiction,” and one of “undermining in front of the children.”
Shopkeeper: Got it. We have the full winter collection of Marital Manure. Oh! “Unjust accusations” is on offer—two for the price of one.
Vine-dresser: Perfect. I’ll take two, then. I’ve got some vines that’ll benefit—a real infestation of pride this year. How much do I owe?
Shopkeeper: That’ll be 5 litres of tears, 10 hours of tough moments, and 50 minutes of despair.
Vine-dresser: Oof! You charge a lot for this stuff.
Shopkeeper: Well… there’s a high demand, you see. So we raise the prices while we can. I’ve got a big family to feed, you know?
Vine-dresser: Fair enough. But just so you know—I’ll be stopping by your marriage next… looks like it could use a few adjustments.
Mother,
Praised be the Vine-dresser, who knows just what we need to grow in love and bear fruits of conjugal charity.