Renewal and Bearing Fruit
Lent is a season of renewal—a time to turn back to God, allowing Him to cultivate our hearts and bring forth spiritual fruit. It is a journey of self-examination, repentance, and transformation. Today’s readings call us to recognize the moments of divine intervention in our lives, learn from the past, and embrace the opportunity for growth. Through Moses’ encounter with God, Paul’s lessons from Israel’s history, and Jesus’ parable of the fig tree, we are reminded that renewal is both a gift and a responsibility.
We often approach renewal as something external—changing a habit, improving our lifestyle—but true renewal begins in the heart. God desires not just surface-level change but the profound, lasting transformation that bears fruit in our daily lives. The question we must ask ourselves today is this: Are we truly open to God's renewal? Are we willing to do what it takes to bear good fruit? Or are we just changing on the surface without deep renewal?
I. Renewal in God’s Presence (Exodus 3:1-15) Moses, tending his flock, encounters the burning bush—a powerful symbol of God's presence and renewal. The bush, though on fire, is not consumed, reflecting how God's Spirit enlivens but does not destroy. God calls Moses to step forward, remove his sandals, and embrace a new mission of deliverance. Moses initially resists, feeling inadequate for the task, but God reassures him that His presence will be with him.
Like Moses, we are called to renewal. Lent is our burning bush moment—an invitation to step away from distractions, recognize the sacred ground of our lives, and embrace God’s call to transformation. When we feel unworthy or uncertain, God reminds us, as He did Moses, that He equips those He calls.
Practical Example: Many of us experience "burning bush moments"—times when God speaks to us through circumstances or people. Perhaps it's a sense of restlessness in our job that prompts us to seek a more meaningful path or a deep conversation with a friend that stirs our hearts toward change. Sometimes, it may be a personal crisis that forces us to reevaluate our priorities. The question is, are we listening? Are we willing to step forward in faith, trusting that God will guide us?
II. Learning from the Past for a Renewed Future (1 Corinthians 10:1-13) Paul reminds the Corinthians of Israel's journey—how they experienced God's miracles but still fell into sin and complacency. They had God's guidance, yet they faltered. Paul warns us against making the same mistakes and urges us to be vigilant in our faith. He reminds us that no temptation is beyond what we can bear and that God always provides a way out.
Renewal comes when we acknowledge where we have fallen short and choose to grow. Lent is a time to reflect: Are we repeating old patterns that hinder our spiritual growth? God’s faithfulness ensures that, even in temptation, He provides a way forward. Renewal means learning from our past mistakes and making changes that align with God’s will.
Consider how we often fall into the same habits—procrastination, gossip, selfishness—despite knowing better. Renewal requires an active effort to break these cycles. Perhaps it means setting a daily reminder to pray, and making a conscious effort to encourage others instead of criticizing or reaching out to someone we've wronged to seek reconciliation. A key step in renewal is accountability—sharing our struggles with a trusted friend or spiritual mentor who can encourage us on the journey.
III. Bearing Fruit Through Renewal (Luke 13:1-9) Jesus tells the parable of the barren fig tree—three years without fruit, standing as a symbol of wasted opportunity. The owner is ready to cut it down, but the gardener pleads for one more chance to cultivate it, hoping it will bear fruit. This parable highlights God’s patience with us. He gives us time to change, but that time is not infinite. We are given the opportunity for renewal, but it must lead to transformation.
This parable speaks to us directly: renewal must lead to fruitfulness. God grants us time and grace, but renewal is not passive—it requires action. Are we bearing the fruits of love, mercy, and justice? Are we allowing God to nourish and shape us into faithful disciples?
Think about how fruitfulness manifests in daily life. A renewed faith should lead to changes in our actions—volunteering at a shelter, being more patient with family, or choosing to spend time in Scripture rather than mindlessly scrolling on our phones. Bearing fruit also means using our gifts for the benefit of others. If God has given you a heart for teaching, mentoring, or serving, are you actively using those gifts to uplift others? Small steps of faithfulness, over time, produce a harvest of spiritual growth.
Another way to bear fruit is through forgiveness. Perhaps there is someone in your life whom you need to forgive or ask forgiveness from. Holding onto resentment stunts our spiritual growth, but letting go and reconciling can bring about deep renewal.
Today’s readings call us to renewal that leads to transformation. Like Moses, we must step into God’s presence and embrace His call. Like Israel, we must learn from the past and move forward in faith. Like the fig tree, we must allow God to cultivate our hearts so that we may bear lasting fruit.
Lent is not just about personal reflection—it is about action. It is about responding to God’s invitation to change, to grow, and to bear fruit. Are we using this season wisely? Are we allowing God to work in us so that we can flourish in our faith?
As we continue this Lenten journey, may we embrace the renewal God offers, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out. Let us not let this time pass without change, but instead, let us seize the opportunity to become who God has called us to be. Amen.
