*REFLECTION FOR SATURDAY OF THE TWENTY-NINTH WEEK IN* *ORDINARY TIME YEAR II* 

As we come to end of the week, the readings present to us today the message of growth and bearing of fruits. "Each of us has been given his own share of grace, given as Christ allotted it". Christ is the head by whom the whole body grows.

   In the first reading (Eph 4: 7-17), St. Paul speaks of the growth of the Church, the body of Christ, the edifice of God. As different parts of the body of Christ, each of us is gifted in different ways, all "building up the body of Christ, untill we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God" (Eph. 4: 12-13). Have you been able to identify your gift, and how effective are you using it for the growth of the Body of Christ?

   Jesus, in the gospel (Luke 13: 1-9) used the parable of the barren fig tree to address the necessity of bearing fruits with the gifts we are given or risk being cut down. As caretaker of the garden of life, He constantly pleads on our behalf. "Sir, leave it one more year and give me time to dig round it and manure it: it may bear fruit next year; if not, then you can cut it down". Are you a barren or fruitful tree? 

   Dear friends, as we journey in our life today, we are called to utilize all the opportunities God has given us to be of service in building and advancing the kingdom of God. 

   I pray that with the Psalmist we will rejoice to be in the house of the Lord which has Christ as the keystone (Ps.122: 1). May we not be unfruitful by being indifferent to God's call to repentance, nor take God's patience for granted. May Christ be the pillar of our lives. Have a good fruit-full day!

 *@Fr Francis Onwunali*