Fruitful Freedom

Dear friends on the journey,

Have you heard the modern-day parable of the man caught in a storm? With flood waters rising, he takes to his roof, praying for God to save him. Along comes a rowboat. When asked to get in the boat, the man declines, saying, “God will save me. I have faith.” This happens again when a motor boat comes along. Again the man declines and continues praying for God to save him. Finally, as the water rises higher, a helicopter flies over, dangling a rope, with an invitation to climb up. The man declines once more, sure that God will save him. He eventually drowns and dies. Upon arrival in heaven, the man asks God why he was not saved. God replied, “I sent you two boats and a helicopter. What more did you want?”

Today’s readings remind me of this story. The Israelites have long been enslaved in Egypt, but seeing their suffering and pain, God promises to Moses to save them from slavery. Moses asks God for a response to the anticipated question from the Israelites about whom sent Moses. God tells Moses to say, “I AM sent me to you.”

In today’s gospel, Jesus offers the parable of the fig tree that has not produced fruit in three years. The gardener assures the owner, who’s ready to cut down the seemingly dead tree, that with good cultivation, fertilization, and patience, the fig tree will yield fruit in one year.

We often feel trapped by our own sins and problems and, like the Israelites in Egypt, can feel like there is no escape. But God’s promise shows that there is always hope. God’s action in freeing the Israelites is a reminder of God’s constant love and desire for our freedom from the struggles that bind us. We are called to trust in God’s timing and ways.
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Luke’s parable highlights God’s patience. The gardener’s request for more time is a reminder that God does not give up on us easily. God gives us time to change and grow in faith. However, we must respond to this opportunity. We are called to use the time wisely by cultivating and fertilizing our soil of faith.

God did not forget the Israelites, and God does not forget us ... so don’t be like the man in the storm who didn’t recognize God. In these last weeks of Lent, be attentive to God’s constant presence in your life, trust and lean on God’s desire to help, and actively work toward freedom, preparing your soil to yield good fruit.

Siempre Adelante,


Teresa Runyon
Pastoral Associate 

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