The story of the fig tree in Sunday’s gospel is one of patience when all seems lost. The farmer gave the fig tree a second chance to bear fruit ….. who doesn’t love a second chance? Second chances are wonderful opportunities. They allow us to learn from our mistakes, reflect, make amends, and achieve success where we may have previously fallen short. In fact, the season of Lent is rooted in second chances. It’s a time for us to reflect on our lives as Christians, to meditate and evaluate our success as people of the Gospel. Where have we let ourselves down? How could we have done better? How could we have been the hands, feet, eyes, ears, and mouth of Christ more effectively in our world? 

Lent is a season for taking ownership of our mistakes and acknowledging our sins—those moments of ‘missing the mark.’ The Greek word for this is metanoia, often translated as ‘turning around’ or conversion. A more accurate translation is ‘turning back’ or ‘realigning ourselves with the mark.’ Lent is an opportunity to turn away from our sins and realign ourselves with God. 

Thank goodness God gives us the opportunity for a second chance—to make amends and be a better person, a better Christian. What opportunities can you find during this season of Lent to realign ourselves with God?