Fig Tree with New buds

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 34th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 21:29-33*

*First Reading : Rv 20:1-4, 11—21:2*

*Fig Tree with New buds*

*1) The Parable of the Fig Tree*

All these days we were hearing about the terrible things, natural calamities, persecutions, executions and other strange signs in heaven and on earth

Today's Gospel speaks about a different language, in the sense that budding of the fig tree and change of season 

So there is something new which we see in today's Gospel, which has a deeper meaning to our life 

*2) Frightening things are not the end of our life*

By showing a new beginning through the parable of the Fig tree, Jesus is showing us that frightening things are not the end of life or they are not end in themselves

There are other things which will follow after these frightening things 

So one must see beyond these terrible things 

*3) Symbolic meaning of the new buds*

New buds are always the symbol of new beginning and new life 

When a tree produces a new bud, it is the symbol of life which exist in the tree 

It is the symbol of growth and sign of development

It is the sign of moving towards the goal 

It is the symbol that, if one remains firm nothing can destroy us but we can grow and begin a new life 

It is a sign of happiness and joyfulness 

Who does not like the buds? All are attracted towards buds and its beauty 

*4) Buds appear only after the various challenges*

Jesus is very careful in narrating the parable of the fig tree

When all the frightening things take place, only after that the buds appear and not before that 

So to appear new buds all old things must go off. Only then the new buds appear 

*5) Beauty in the New buds*

First of all new buds are in themselves good and attractive

They beautify the whole tree and gives a new and attractive look 

New buds always increase the beauty of the tree and life 

*6) New buds in our Life*

Now the whole parable of the fig tree is very much applicable to our life 

Like new buds in fig tree,  new buds in our life, increase our beauty of life and mission 

We should try to see buds in the various areas of our life 

New buds in prayer life 

New buds in sacrifice

New buds in love 

New buds in sharing 

New buds in forgiveness

New buds in humility

New buds in faithfulness

New buds in sincerity

New buds in our mission

New buds in simplicity

New buds in truthfulness

New buds in our moral life 

New buds in right thinking 

Am I ready for new budds in my life??

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*