Pope: the possibility of conversion is not unlimited, and must be seized immediately
Today is the Day of Missionary Martyrs. “[I]n the course of 2018, throughout the world, numerous bishops, priests, nuns and lay faithful suffered violence, and 40 missionaries were killed, almost double compared to the previous year.”
Vatican City (AsiaNews) - God's mercy leaves us time to convert, but "the possibility of conversion is not unlimited; hence, it is necessary to seize it immediately; otherwise it will be lost forever," warned Pope Francis before the Angelus, citing the parable of the barren fig tree in today's Gospel.
Speaking to about 20,000 people present in St Peter's Square for the Marian prayer, the pontiff also noted that today is the Day of Missionary Martyrs, pointing out that "in the course of 2018, throughout the world, numerous bishops, priests, nuns and lay faithful suffered violence, and 40 missionaries were killed, almost double compared to the previous year. Remembering the contemporary ordeal of our brothers and sisters, persecuted or killed because of their faith in Jesus, is a duty of gratitude for the whole Church, but also a stimulus to bear witness with courage to our faith and our hope in the One who, on the Cross, always defeated hatred and violence with his love."
Earlier, Francis mentioned the parable in which Jesus talks about a man who planted a fig tree in his vineyard, one that does not bear fruit and then decides to have it cut down. But the peasant to whom he fives the task asks his master to be patient and grant it a one-year extension.
"The master,” Francis stressed, “represents God the Father and the viticulturalist is the image of Jesus, whilst the fig tree is a symbol of an indifferent and arid humanity. Jesus intercedes with the Father in favour of humanity and does so always, asking him to wait and give it some more time, so that the fruits of love and justice can sprout in it. The fig tree that the master in the parable wants to uproot represents a sterile existence, incapable of giving, of doing good. It is the symbol of the one who alone lives for himself, satisfied and calm, perched on his comfort, unable to turn his gaze and heart towards those who are close to him and in a state of suffering, poverty and discomfort. This attitude of selfishness and spiritual sterility is countered by the viticulturalist’s great love for the fig tree: he has patience, knows how to wait, bid his time and devote his work to it. He promises his master that he will take special care of that unhappy tree."
"This similarity is the manifestation of God’s mercy, he who leaves us time for conversion. We all need to convert and God has patience and offers us the opportunity to change and make progress on the path towards goodness. But the delay implored and granted whilst waiting for the tree to finally bear fruit also indicates the urgency of the conversion. The viticulturalist tells the master: "leave it for this year also" (Lk 13:8). The possibility of conversion is not unlimited; hence, it is necessary to seize it immediately; otherwise it will be lost forever. We can think about this Lent: What must I do to be closer to the Lord, to convert, to “cut away” the things that don’t work? ‘No, no, I will wait for next Lent.’ But will you be alive next Lent? [. . .] We can rely deeply on God's mercy, but without abusing it. We must not justify spiritual laziness, but increase our commitment to respond promptly to such mercy with sincerity of heart.”
"At Lent, the Lord invites us to conversion. Each of us must feel challenged by this call, amending something in our lives, in our own way of thinking, acting and living relationships with others. At the same time, we must imitate the patience of God who trusts everyone’s capacity to "get up" and resume the journey. He does not extinguish the weak flame, but accompanies and cares for those who are weak so that they may be strengthened and bring their contribution of love to the community. May the Virgin Mary help us experience these days of preparation for Easter as a time of spiritual renewal and trusting openness to the grace of God and his mercy."
After the Angelus, Francis said that since 27 February "important talks are underway in Nicaragua to resolve the serious socio-political crisis facing that country. I accompany the initiative with prayers and encourage the parties to find a peaceful solution as soon as possible for the good of everyone."
Lastly, the Holy Father noted that tomorrow he will travel to Loreto (Italy) where he will sign the document that came out of the Synod on young people.
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