My Faith Looks Up to Thee

Even though Christ the Rock accompanied them as God was with them in the wilderness, the people of Israel rebelled against God and most perished in the wilderness. Saint Paul warns the Church to take heed, lest they also fall prey to temptation. Yet God provides a way out when we are tempted, that we may be able to endure. What is this way out? Jesus, who calls us to repentance, granting us forgiveness and new life in him. Just as the vinedresser is to be patient with the fruitless fig tree, so God is patient with us. Law: The example of rebellious Israel in the wilderness is a stark warning of our capacity for sin and unbelief. Yet Jesus reminds us that everyone is a sinner in need of repentance. Gospel: The patience of the vinedresser in Luke, the “way out” of temptation taught by Saint Paul, and the presence of Jesus the Rock with Israel in the wilderness all remind us of the mercy of God in Christ Jesus. God does not desire that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) Application: Repent. Cling to Jesus. When you think you are perishing in the wilderness or dying on the vine, remember that Jesus is for you, that he patiently pursues you, and that his death and resurrection rescues you from
sin, death, and the devil.