The Fig Tree

There is a scene in the Gospels where Jesus and his disciples happen upon a fig tree.  Jesus, we read, is hungry, so He goes over to the tree looking for figs.  Finding none, He curses the tree and it shrivels and dies.  Mark states that the tree withers the following day, but Mathew states the death of the tree is immediate.

Of course, the disciples are standing back and nudging each other to look at the tree Jesus just killed (so sorry to tree huggers everywhere).  There is some discussion as to whether figs are even in season as the wide-eyed disciples scrounge around their packs to see if they can find something to eat for the hungry Savior.

To make matters more dire, when Jesus returns to the group (I am improvising here, so…), He points to the tree and compares it to them (and us)!  He makes it clear that God gives each of us everything we need (sunlight, soil, water, etc.) and expects us to provide figs for the common good.

In other words, we have been cleansed in the waters of Baptism, nurtured by the Son of God and given the soil beneath our feet to trod in search of those in need.  And if we don’t?  Well, Jesus makes it clear that He does not think the soil should be wasted on a tree that has been given everything it needs to produce fruit, the very purpose of its creation, and yet does not fulfill its basic calling.

I can tell you right now that this passage strikes fear into me more than any other passage in Scripture.  It reminds me that I can and should be working actively for the Kingdom of God every moment of my life and reminds me doubly that I all too often fall short.  Don’t fret, you say; Jesus is merciful and died for our sin – yeah, well, tell that to the fig tree.

On the other hand, this passage also motivates me to get up every time I fall down spiritually; not out of fear of a mean God but because I am right there with Jesus.  I see His point. It makes perfect sense.

So, my final thoughts on the matter?  Begin where you are.  If you are reading this and you have never been baptized, now is the time.  If you are a Catholic who has moved to the outer circle of the Church because of a past grievance, then make your way back in.  We want you back.  Jesus wants you back.  If you can’t do any physical labor for others, then pray for them.  If you are at a time in your life that you are having difficulty praying, then do good deeds for others.  If you have serious sin on your soul, receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.  If you feel like you are simply poured out, then just go sit in front of the tabernacle and be present with Jesus Christ.  

Begin where you are.  If we all do this, then we will soon find ourselves looking back to this beginning as the start of a wonderful and beautiful journey, and we will find that Jesus Christ was walking beside us all along.

Let us all pray diligently for one another to have the strength, courage, fortitude, humility and love to walk arm in arm with Jesus Christ along this path of life.  Oh, and one more thing.  Don’t forget the figs!