Father Timothy MarcoeDo you like fruit? I like fruit, especially Gala apples. I try to eat one every day. And you know what they say – “An apple a day keeps the doctor away!” But here I am in Danville surrounded by more doctors at every Mass than at any other point in my life! And it’s wonderful having all you physicians and surgeons and nurses and other medical professionals here at St. Joseph’s each week! That thought came to my mind, and I chuckled, when I heard Jesus’ admonition in today’s Gospel: “A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit.”
But then I also had an “a-ha” moment when it all brought to mind what I shared last week in my homily on judgmentalism and criticalism – namely, “How we think about someone determines how we will treat them. Our thoughts lead to our attitudes. And our attitudes motivate our actions.” In other words, what’s going on inside our minds will find a way to be expressed in one way, shape or form. If we’re thinking charitably about another, we’ll be much more inclined to speak kindly to that person. But, if we’re harboring resentment or unforgiveness then we’re going to be more likely to treat them rudely, or at least in a sarcastic or short way.
It’s so easy to be loving and generous when the pressure’s off. Isn’t it? For example, right after the Last Supper, Peter was able to say to Jesus, “Even though I should have to die with you, I will not deny you.” And yet, when the heat was turned up, he vehemently denied Jesus three times. Or, when I sit in my chapel before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, it’s so easy to be loving and generous, and then I step outside. In the words of Sirach from today’s first reading: “As the test of what the potter molds is in the furnace, so in tribulation is the test of the just.” Yep, we find out just how much we’re growing spiritually when we’re put to the test.
And, this is why we need Lent each year. We need a time to focus on our mortality, our sinfulness and our weakness, so that we can do something constructive with it. With the penitential practices of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we’re called to reform our way of thinking, acting and speaking so that we can become less selfish and more Christ-centered and other-focused.
Fortunately, we have this opportunity each year. And although each year I have to admit that I not only look forward to Lent, but also to getting it over with all at the same time, it’s a necessary gift to push us out of our comfort zones, so that we can be conformed to Jesus Christ more and more. ’Cause you know, undeveloped trees need to be pruned if they’re going to bear good fruit. And that’s what this is about – not just stripping away the old self. But, rather being freer to be more like Jesus – generous, kind, loving and merciful. Recently, the Lord revealed this to me in prayer. It’s not just about avoiding sin – it’s about being freer to love like me! Freer!
As Lent begins with Ash Wednesday this coming week, I really want to encourage you to really make the most of these upcoming 40 days – not just jumping through the hoops, but really making the most of this annual retreat we call Lent so that you can become freer to live and love like Jesus. Perhaps it’s taking extra time for meaningful prayer with the Lord each morning. Maybe using the Hallow app and taking part in the Community #Pray40 Challenge, or reading the Word Among Us devotionals that are available for every family on your way out of Mass today. Maybe you could come to a weekday Mass during the week. Certainly foregoing meat on Fridays as an actual sacrifice – and not just eating a lobster tail and 2 pounds of shrimp. How about really giving to the poor in a meaningful way during this Jubilee Year? Think about it… what sacrifice might you make this year so you can be free of the old ways of selfishness and self-centeredness and freer to live and love like Jesus? It doesn’t have to be the same old chocolate. How about something that costs you a little more? Maybe gossiping or criticizing or being judgmental toward others?
Again, these penances are not just exercises in self-denial. Rather, they’re meant to help us to reform our will, which is so often based on how we feel or don’t feel, instead of God’s ways. And so, in the words of St. Paul from our second reading today: “Therefore, my beloved brothers and sisters, be firm, steadfast, always fully devoted to the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” May your Lent this year really bear good fruit in your lives. God bless you.
(Father Marcoe is the pastor of St. Joseph Parish in Danville.)
By Father Timothy Marcoe, Special to The Witness
