Blurbs by Fr. Pete Literal

In today’s Gospel, Jesus responds to news about suffering by teaching that hardship isn’t always punishment for sin. Instead, He calls all of us to repentance, warning that unrepented sin leads to eternal separation from God. The good news is that God forgives us when we genuinely repent.

Repentance has three parts:

• Recognize Our Sin: Humbly admit we are imperfect and fall short.
• Confess Our Sins: Seek forgiveness through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Opportunities are available every Saturday and during the Lenten Penance Service on April 8 at 6:15 p.m.
• Commit to Change: Strive for genuine conversion and become people of mercy, reflecting God’s kindness.

Like the barren fig tree, we are meant to bear fruit through good works. God calls us to perform Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy, feeding the hungry, comforting the sorrowful, and guiding others in faith. As God is patient and merciful, ready to forgive and guide us, let us pray and reflect His love by living with compassion and purpose.