The parable of the fig tree reveals God’s hope and compassion for people. The gardener, who cares for each tree, pleads for more time and more care. Leave it for another year. A little loosening and manuring of the soil, a little more nourishment, and maybe it will bear fruit. Think this week about what fruit you want to bear.
Following are suggestions for actions to do that will add color to your Lenten cross.
PLANT
- Buy a crocus. It will remind you to notice the Earth rejuvenating itself.
- Plant an indoor herb garden on your windowsill.
SIMPLIFY
- Fast from fast food.
- Fast from too much television. Give a dime to Catholic Relief Services (crs.org) for every commercial you see this week.
PRAY
- Pray with the people of God as often as you can during Lent by going to daily Eucharist.
- Wash your windows and thank God for what you see more clearly.
READ
- Read God’s promise to the people in Jeremiah 31.31-34. What do you want inscribed on your heart?
- You can look up poems on the internet by searching just a few words you remember. Rediscover a poem that meant something to you in the past. Use it to pray.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
- Compliment colleagues and coworkers on ways they do their jobs and on how their work matters to the whole enterprise.
- Talk more, or talk less.
PARTICIPATE
- Take part in a group that provides families in poverty with needed household supplies and furniture.
- Volunteer to tutor immigrants in English.
Keeping Faith Today 