Significance of Summer in the Bible

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirty fourth Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Lk 21:29-33*

*First Reading : Rv 20:1-4, 11—21:2*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 84:3, 4, 5-6a and 8a*

*Significance of Summer in the Bible*

*1) Summer in the Gospel*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the concept of Sumner 

Summer and the fig tree are mentioned in today's Gospel. They have special significance to our life as we are at the end of liturgical year 

*2) Season of Growth*

The natural world flourishes in summer, 

Both Luke and Mark use the imagery of the fig tree budding to indicate the arrival of summer.

This metaphor teaches discernment and awareness of spiritual seasons. Just as observing the natural world alerts us to changes in the season, recognizing spiritual signs is crucial for preparedness and vigilance in faith.

*3) Season of Growth and Harvest*

Summer is often associated with growth and harvest in agricultural societies, and the Bible frequently uses this imagery. 

For example, in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-23), the seeds that fell on fertile soil produced a harvest, symbolizing the fruitful response to God's Word.

Summer, in this sense, represents a time of spiritual growth and productivity.

*4) Symbol of Judgment*

The Bible also uses summer as a symbol of impending judgment. 

For instance, in Jeremiah 8:20, it says, “The harvest is past, the summer has ended, and we are not saved.”

Here, the passing of summer signifies the end of a season of opportunity, urging people to be vigilant and make the most of their time in relation to God’s plans.

*5) Summer is a season fruitful harvests*

summer as a period of agricultural abundance. 

The imagery of rain and seasons of growth symbolizes divine generosity, nourishment, and the joy derived from God’s blessings

So this season brings about the blessing of God in abundance. So we need to make use of this season 

*6) Summer and Spiritual life*

The concept of summer has a very direct link to our spiritual life 

Summer season normally witnesses the changes. This changes is seen in the life of fig tree 

Fig tree changes itself to produce better fruit.

This imagery, has a direct lesson to our life 

The arrival of the summer and the change in the fig tree tells us that the season of arrival of the Messiah is at hand and we need to change our life to produce better fruit 

So the Sumner season and the life of fig tree gives us a great lesson 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*