TOPIC: REPENT AND BEAR FRUIT
3C LENT SUNDAY HOMILY, LUKE 13:1-9
MARCH 20, 2022
1. STORY
A
missionary priest working in a poor country was not getting many converts.
Because pigs were highly prized in that mission country, he imported the
biggest and best pigs from his country. As he expected, many people came from
the jungle villages to see these amazing animals. One day he went to inspect
the pigs and discovered that one of his prized pigs was missing. Realizing it
had been stolen, he was very upset and went out into the villages looking for
it. He finally found the pig in the house of the village chief. In anger he hit
the chief and took back his pig. After some reflection, the priest was very
sorry for what he had done to the chief. He then went back to the village and
asked for forgiveness and left one of his pigs as a gift to the chief. A few
days later the chief, along with many others, came to the church wanting to
know more about God who was able to so profoundly change the heart of the
priest. The priest repented for what he had done.
2. GOSPEL, LUKE 13:1-9
A.
YOU MUST REPENT.
Jesus
warns the people of the importance of repentance to avoid future suffering. He
gave two examples of people who had suffered as a result of their not changing
their lives.
B.
IT MAY BEAR FRUIT IN THE FUTURE.
Jesus
gives the example of a fig tree which had not produced any figs and was about
to be cut down. The caretaker asked for more time as he would give it special
care hoping that it would bear fruit.
3. APPLICATION TO LIFE
A.
THE MEANING OF “TO REPENT.”
The
meaning of “to repent” is to change our hearts. Just as we can change our watch
if it is running too fast or too slow or our clothes if the weather is too hot
or too cold, with the help of God we can change our hearts. Here are three
examples.
i)
If there is hatred in our hearts, we can put love.
ii)
If there is revenge, we can put forgiveness.
iii)
If there is anger, we can put peace. We ask Jesus to help us
repent.
B.
IT MAY BEAR FRUIT IN THE FUTURE.
Just
as one expects a fig tree, an apple tree, or a cherry tree to produce figs,
apples, or cherries, so does God expects us, his followers and disciples, to
produce fruit in the form of good works. Here are three examples of doing good
works.
i)
If there is someone you hate, ask God for the strength to pray for him and to
have the strength to wish that person well.
ii)
If you want to take revenge on someone, ask for the power to forgive that
person no matter what he may have done to hurt you.
iii)
If you are angry with someone, ask God for the strength to make peace with that
person. In doing good works, you become merciful as your heavenly father is
merciful. You bring happiness to others and, of course, you bring happiness to
yourself.
4. CONCLUSION
The
missionary priest repented asking for forgiveness from the offended village
chief. Jesus teaches us to change our hearts. God will help us repent.
