The Fig Tree
The Fig Tree
Lent is the time to be humble and look at ourselves with sincerity. The Fig Tree, the parable Our Lord tells in the Gospel, in one way or another reflects each of us. As we go through life, and we examine our relationship with our loved ones, we come to realize that it is like a roller coaster, with ups and downs; with times of intensity and times of indifference; warm and cozy at times, lukewarm and distant at others. Our relationship with the Lord is no different. Our life will hit spots that are level and smooth, when we feel good and balanced, when everything goes great. Sometimes it will be like rocky ground, it is not quite level, we find dunes, and unexpected obstacles, struggles, issues. At other times we will find that life becomes unbearable, we question God, we find it very difficult. As we swing throughout these times, our life bears little or no good fruit. During these different times of our life, we have to look at ourselves as the Fig Tree.
Even though the Fig Tree does not bear fruit, Our Lord does not look at this Fig Tree and discard it as worthless. Our Lord knows our inconsistencies; therefore He is a God of second chances. His commitment as the tender of the field is to care for this Fig Tree in such a way as to offer it every necessary opportunity to bear fruit. We are the Fig Tree. Our Lord will not discard us and consider us worthless. He will not throw us away, despite our inconsistency. He is always ready and willing to reach out to us in the ways we need so that our lives can once again bear much fruit.
We are almost halfway through our Lenten journey. If we are frustrated by not bearing fruit, by our inconsistency, Our Lord gives us the strength and nourishes us to have the resolution to persevere in His ways.
Do not be afraid to leave your old self behind, but embrace the new you that the Lord is nourishing, so you may bear fruit, and fruit in abundance.