Repentant Fruit

“Bear fruits worthy of repentance.” Luke 3:8a

Spring is in the air! This morning, my office has been blessed with the sun streaming through my east-facing windows. The windows are open, letting air into my office; air with just a hint of crisp. Looking out, growth is everywhere to behold.

Growth is an image of the Kingdom of God, apt for Easter. The risen Christ could not be contained in death’s tomb. He is on the loose. The Spirit, outpoured, floods creation. God is willing new life to emerge from all corners of creation, signs of the future consummation of all things. We see, feel, sense Christ at work in our hearts, our lives. Alleluia!

Today’s New Testament passage from the Daily Texts places us at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry; indeed, just before it starts. His cousin John speaks to the crowds. “Bear fruits,” he says, but doesn’t stop there. “Bear fruits worthy of repentance.” We are not meant simply to grow, but to grow away from where we’ve been. If we are called to grow in love, we are called to grow away from hate, violence, oppression, and injustice. If we are called to life, we are called away from death.

The killing of Daunte Wright reminds us of how far we have to go. We, friends, are Easter people. We witness to and work for life, even and especially in the face of death. Bear fruit, friends. Grow toward life.

Black Lives Matter.

Be well, friends. You are loved.

God of growth, even out of barrenness and brokenness, you create life. May that life be shared with equity by all as we trust that the abundance of Jesus is enough for all of us. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Image: Apple Tree with Red Fruit, Paul Ranson, 1902 (public domain).