I say to you: but unless you shall do penance, you shall all likewise perish.

I say to you: but unless you shall do penance, you shall all likewise perish.

1 At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
2 He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans?
3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did.
4 Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them -- do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem?
5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did."
6 Then he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none.
7 So he said to the gardener, 'See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?'
8 He replied, 'Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it.
9 If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.' " (NRSV)

Inspiration of the Holy Spirit - From the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Nothing happens in this world unless I allow it to happen, good and evil occur as part of my plan. There are many secret things stored in my will for all of you, I can bring fortune or disaster because I am the Supreme Being in full control of my creation.

Yet many times some count themselves fortunate at the expense of others who are receiving bad fortune. It does not mean that some are better than others and escape the power of the will of God; it simply means that there is a time for good fortune but there is also a time for disaster.

What I expect from the man who is doing well in his life is appreciation for my gifts. I have given him a life full of talents, so that he will have to render an account for them. The man who remembers me and praises me with thanksgiving is very fortunate indeed, he becomes my favorite son and my blessings flow daily upon his life. When disaster strikes, he is fully prepared. On the other hand the man who turns away from me and does what is displeasing in my sight is defying me and asking for divine retribution. When disaster comes he will perish not only physically but also spiritually.

When I started preaching the Good News of my Kingdom I called everyone to repent, to turn away from evil, to appreciate the goodness of God in their lives and to come to Him with a humble and contrite heart. Those who hear my word and keep it are doing that exactly; they are given the wisdom to appreciate the gifts of God and to praise him daily with a grateful heart.

The lesson of the fig tree serves to teach man about the power of God over creation and about the weakness of humanity before the Almighty. It is also a reminder of my mercy, which patiently waits for a change of heart.

Author: Joseph of Jesus and Mary