Deacon Joseph Nhat Tran
FRUITS OF LIFE
Luke 13:1-9
Today’s Gospel touches on a taboo topic that we often avoid discussing: death—the death of the Galileans by Pilate, the death of eighteen people who perished when the tower of Siloam collapsed, and ultimately, our own death, as Jesus reminds us.
Many people do not want to think about death for several reasons. Some are too occupied with daily concerns—work, family, entertainment—so they subconsciously believe that death is distant, something that “won’t happen soon.” Others avoid thinking about it due to fear—death is the ultimate mystery, and contemplating it can cause discomfort and anxiety.
In our modern world, where youth, success, and progress are glorified, reflecting on mortality is discouraged. People also fear unfinished goals and regrets because they challenge our sense of meaning, purpose, and control, so they choose to distract themselves rather than confront the reality of death.
Yet, despite these natural tendencies, many saints and philosophers encourage reflection on death as a path to wisdom and a meaningful life.
St. Augustine (354–430 AD), one of the greatest theologians of the Church, profoundly meditated on death, the afterlife, and the journey of the soul. He did not see death as a final destruction but as a passage to eternal life. He reminds us that life on earth is temporary, and our true home is with God. Death is the moment when the soul returns to its Creator. "It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live." — St. Augustine
His words challenge us: Are we truly living according to God’s will? Are we prepared for the day when our earthly journey ends?
Last year, I led a vigil service for a young man, about 25 years old, who tragically died in a car accident. His grieving mother was deeply distressed—not only because of his untimely death but because he was never baptized, though his family was Catholic. In desperation, she asked me to baptize him while he lay in the coffin. Of course, I could not.
Why? Because the sacraments are for the living—for those who freely choose to receive them and believe in Jesus’ salvation. This painful moment was a reminder that we must prepare our souls now—for death comes unexpectedly.
Lent is the season when we are reminded of our mortality: "Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return." (Genesis 3:19). It is a time to heed Jesus’ call: "Repent and believe in the Gospel." (Mark 1:15)
Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel bring us to the heart of Lent. Every day is a gift from the Lord, but that gift also comes with a responsibility—to bear fruit through a life of faith. Hence, Lent is a season of fasting, prayer, and charity.
Among these three Lenten practices, charity is the most important. It is a fundamental aspect of Christianity, deeply rooted in Jesus’ teachings, biblical commandments, and the tradition of the Church.
Jesus teaches: "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:31) By helping others, we fulfill God’s greatest commandment.
Charity is the expression of true faith: "Faith without works is dead." (James 2:17). Faith is not just about believing but about acting with love.
Charity leads to eternal life. When a rich young man asked Jesus how to attain eternal life, Jesus answered: "Sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven." (Luke 18:22) Jesus makes it clear: Charity is necessary for salvation.
Unfortunately, selfishness is deeply rooted in our fallen human nature, damaged by original sin. We naturally think of ourselves first and struggle to sacrifice for others, even within our own families. Many people see their possessions as their own achievements, rather than gifts entrusted to them by God.
St. Thomas Aquinas helps us understand true stewardship: While we have a right to own property through hard work or inheritance, we must always use our resources for the common good, not just for ourselves. (Bishop Robert Barron paraphrasing St. Thomas Aquinas)
In Matthew 25:31ff, Jesus reveals that, at the end of time, we will be judged by the charity we have shown—or failed to show. He says: "I was hungry, and you gave me food; I was thirsty, and you gave me drink; I was a stranger, and you welcomed me." (Matthew 25:35).
Through these words, Jesus reminds us that when we help those in need, we are serving Him directly. Every gesture of love—whether offering a meal to the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, or showing kindness to a stranger—reflects God’s mercy and brings us closer to Him.
Even something as simple as a cup of water given with love is precious in God's eyes. Why? Because in that moment, we are not just helping a person—we are honoring Christ Himself, who identifies with the suffering and the poor. Our charity, no matter how small, has eternal value because it is an offering to God.
Some believe that as long as they avoid mortal sin, follow the Ten Commandments, and don’t harm others, their relationship with God is secure. But today’s Gospel speaks of a fig tree that produces no fruit. “For three years now, I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none.” (Luke 13:7)
The fig tree represents us—and the fruit represents our acts of love and charity. In Palestine, a fig tree bears fruit 10 months a year. If it fails to produce fruit, it has no value.
This parable reminds us: God is patient but expects us to bear fruit in due time. If we have not been fruitful, we should be grateful that we still have time to change.
What kind of fruit does God want? The fruit God desires consists of acts of self-giving love: Helping the poor directly or by donating to Catholic Charities, the Diocesan Service Fund (DSF), or the Knights of Columbus. Or visiting the sick, comforting the grieving, and assisting strangers. Or volunteering in church ministries, hospitals, and shelters. Christian charity is not just about giving money—it is about helping others experience God’s love.
Life on earth is short, and the busyness of life can blind us to our final destination. Nothing in this world can truly satisfy us. St. Augustine reminds us: "You have made us for Yourself, O Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in You."
This truth should inspire us to: Detach from worldly possessions; Focus on virtue, prayer, and love; Be united with God, who is kind and merciful.
Our patron, St. Francis de Sales advised us, “Think often of death so as to make it familiar, and then you will not be troubled when it arrives.”
Let us use this Lenten season wisely—to repent, renew, and bear fruit so that, when our time comes, we are ready to meet our Creator with joy. Amen.