THE GOSPEL
Luke 13:1-9There was once a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard …
Jesus,
kind and patient
gardener of
souls:
when we are barren like your fig tree,
(with unjust war, racial bias,
destruction of our
climate)
you don’t give
up on us.
Please,
soak our roots.
Make them
heavy with your love.
And,
pour your grace upon us like
water on parched
land
until we bear fruit.
THE FIRST READING
Exodus 3:1-8a, 13-15
God called out to him from the bush, “Moses! Moses!”
He answered, “Here I am.”
God
of our fathers,
you have beckoned us,
and have never pushed us away.
Our lands could flow with milk and honey!
Chance upon chance you give us,
grace upon grace.
And then you gently stand by,
awaiting our words.
“Here I am!”
Help us to taste your saving love
and come running to you
on this holy
ground.
THE SECOND READING
1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12
The life of the people with Moses in the desert
was written down as a warning to us.
Holy Spirit,
give us just one more span of days.
Yes, please stretch open
our hearts in
them.
Let your patient grace
come to life in
us.