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Commentary on the Gospel for October 26, 2024
Dear Friends:
Today’s readings invite us to reflect on the call to conversion and the building up of the Body of Christ. In the first reading, Saint Paul reminds us that each of us has received a gift, a special grace, according to the measure of Christ’s gift. This diversity of gifts is not for our personal benefit, but for the building up of the Body of Christ, the Church. Some are called to be apostles, others prophets, evangelists, pastors or teachers, but all contribute to the growth of the body in unity and love.
Paul urges us to mature in our faith, lest we be carried away by «every wind of doctrine» or deceived by the snares of error. Spiritual maturity involves a commitment to truth and love that enables us to grow toward Christ, who is the head. Each member of the body of Christ has a vital role, and when each part acts according to its gift, the body grows in unity and builds itself up in love.
The Gospel complements this message with a clear call to repentance. Jesus uses two recent tragedies-the deaths of the Galileans and the collapse of the Tower of Siloam-to teach that we should not interpret disasters as specific punishments for sins. Rather, these situations call us to personal repentance. We all need to be converted, without thinking that others are more guilty or worse than we are.
The parable of the fig tree is a powerful image of God’s patience and mercy. Although the fig tree has not borne fruit for three years, the vinedresser intercedes to give it another chance. This speaks to us of the time of grace God gives us to repent and bear fruit in our lives. It is not an unlimited time, but it is an invitation to seize the opportunity to transform our lives with the help of his grace before it is too late.
Thus, both readings invite us to act. On the one hand, to recognize and use our gifts to build up the Body of Christ, and on the other, to open our hearts to conversion. God gives us time and opportunities to grow, to change, to bear fruit in love and service. Let us not let this time of grace pass us by. Let us live our Christian vocation with responsibility and love, always ready to convert and grow in our relationship with God, with others and with all creation.