Lessons from the Fig Tree : Four Images of the Fig Tree

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season 33rd Week - Sunday*

*GOSPEL -  Mk 13:24-32*

*First Reading - Dn 12:1-3*

*SECOND READING - Heb 10:11-14, 18*

*Lessons from the Fig Tree : Four Images of the Fig Tree*

*1) Fig Tree with Full Life*

We find this image in Mk 11:12 -14

This fig tree was filled with life, attractive, Lush green, bubbling with life and cause of Happiness 

To such tree Jesus comes in search of Fruit. But there wasn't any fruit in it. 

A tree which was looking very good from the appearance, failed to produce any fruit. 

The main purpose of the tree was to produce fruit. But it failed miserably. 

*2) Withered Fig tree*

The image of this tree we come across in Mark 11:20

A tree which failed to produce fruit, could not survive long

Jesus had cursed the tree and it withered away to its roots. 

Mere outward appearance could not allow the fig tree to survive. That was the fate of this tree 

*3) Fig tree in the Winter season : A skeleton image of Fig tree*

Even though there is no direct reference to this image of the fig tree, one can imagine the fig tree during the time of winter season

One don't find any leaves on the tree. There is no life, there is no attraction, there is no fruit, and there are only few branches. 

Such an image gives us a impression whether there is life or not. 

*4) Fig tree at the Beginning of Summer season*

The reference to this image we can find in Mark 13:28

According to this image, the branches of the tree become very tender, and puts forth its new leaves 

There appears the signs of new life, which will help the tree to become very attractive and to bear fruit. 

This image always gives us the hope of new beginning and new life. 

*5) Fig Tree represents the House of Israel*

The fig tree is directly connected to the House of Israel and the people of God. 

We can very well see these four images of the fig tree in the life of Israel. 

With the first image the people of Israel appeared to be very good from out side, but failed to produce the desired fruit. 

They became unfaithful to God and failed to bear fruit. 

The second image we can see in the Babylonian Exile. Temple was destroyed, many people were destroyed and there was lot of destruction in connection with the people of Israel

The third image comes during the time of Exile. Israel become like a skeleton, which underwent lots of trials and tribulations

The fourth image, the rebuilding of the temple and the new Israel under the leadership of New Mosses - Jesus 

*6) Fig Tree and My life*

All these four images have lot of significance and symbolic meaning to our life. 

If our life becomes like the first image of the fig tree, it will follow the second image automatically. 

Those who try to do good, will have to pass through winter season, facing all types of trials and tribulations. 

Only then we can see the fourth iamge of the fig tree in our lives 

*7) End times and Fig Tree*

The concept of End times follows the logic of Fig tree. 

Depending on the nature of the fig tree end time follows

But the real end time appears to be a new beginning and there is no end time as such 

But those who fail miserably fail at the first level (First image of the fig tree) may have to see the end or destruction. 

Those who cross to the third image will certainly see the fouth image to see the new beginning. 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*