Eighth Friday of Ordinary Time

Early in the morning, as they were walking along, they saw the fig tree withered to its roots. Peter remembered and said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree that you cursed has withered.” Jesus said to them in reply, “Have faith in God. Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours.”

If we are barren of prayers, witnessing to the gospels, and good works, then we will be cursed just as much as the fig tree. God will not accept a barren life, devoid of faith, hope, charity, and mercy. He wants us to believe in His Good News, proclaiming it from the mountain tops and living it out with all our hearts. He encourages us to believe in Him and trust that no matter how impossible the work He is calling us to do seems to be… He will make it possible. He will answer our prayers with graces.

What fruits have we produced in this life for God and others? How can we be more fruitful in love and mercy? Do we seek help from God to cultivate the soil of our souls?

O Lord, we have faith in you and wish to bear much fruit.

Amen.