Today, I feel like I need to set the table a little before getting into how the readings really spoke to me this morning.

In the Gospel, Jesus tells us about a fig tree that hasn’t produced any fruit. The owner is ready to cut it down, but the gardener asks for more time. He wants another chance to cultivate the ground, fertilize it, and help that tree bear fruit.

Now look at the first reading. St. Paul tells us that each of us has been given grace according to Christ’s gift. He goes on to explain how Christ gave us apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers to help build up His Church.

And boy, do we have plenty of help today! We have priests, deacons, religious sisters, teachers, and plenty of good Catholic resources available to us. But what really came to mind this morning was the company of brothers and sisters God has placed around us.

Think about the prayer groups, Bible studies, and other brother and sisterhood that are forming and growing. These aren’t just places to learn about God. They’re opportunities to lean on one another, encourage one another, and yes, hold one another accountable.

And here’s where the readings really came together for me.

Jesus is the gardener, and we’re the fig trees. But we’re also His tools. He gives each of us graces and gifts that He can use to help others grow.

Sometimes we’re the ones who need a little extra attention, and sometimes God uses us to help cultivate the ground around someone else. We aren’t the ones making the fruit grow. That’s God’s work. But we can cooperate with His grace and allow Him to use us.

And I want to take a moment to thank all of you who have allowed me to be part of your brotherhood. I don’t know if you realize how much you’ve helped me grow closer to God. Through your prayers, encouragement, example, and willingness to hold me accountable, you’ve helped cultivate the ground around my own little fig tree. And I am grateful for that.

I pray that God is using me to do the same for you.

That’s what I think Paul is telling us today. We’ve all been given different graces and gifts, not just for ourselves, but to help build up the Body of Christ. We need each other. And sometimes being one of Jesus’s tools is as simple as encouraging someone, praying with them, or helping them get back on the right path.

And wouldn’t it be wonderful if, through God’s grace and the help we give one another, we could all rejoice together as today’s Psalm says, “We will go up to the house of the Lord.”

So my prayer today is simple. Lord, thank You for the people You’ve placed in my life who help me grow closer to You. Help me recognize the graces You’ve given me and be willing to let You use me to help others. You are the gardener, Lord. Let me be one of Your tools.

Are you allowing Jesus to use the graces He’s given you to help others grow closer to Him?

I pray you get the graces you need today.

Keep up the good fight.

I’m praying for you. Please pray for me.

Scripture: Ephesians 4:7–16 | Psalm 122:1–5 | Luke 13:1–9