One common and important source of food for those who lived in Galilee and Judea was the fig tree. Its fruit was highly prized and became a symbol for the people of God’s fruitful love for them. A fig tree normally matured within three years and began to produce much fruit. If not it was cut down so a new tree could take its place. An unfruitful tree symbolized Israel’s indifference to God and lack of repentance for their sins.
In Jesus’ parable, he depicts the patience of God to try one more time for the tree to bear fruit. Jesus also warns that God’s patience and mercy may not come soon and warns about the consequence of letting sins take root in our hearts and minds.
God, in his mercy, gives us time to get right with him, but that time is now. We should never assume that there is plenty of time. We must never believe that there is no hurry. I have pondered this a lot with the sudden death of my friends Jim and Pauline. Jesus tells us we must be ready at all times. If we delay in seeking his mercy, even for a day, we may discover his grace has passed us by. May we never squander the grace of the present moment. May we say “yes” to his will and his plan for my life. After all, what he wants for us is to bear fruit. Fruit that will last !!
DeColores, Deacon Doug
Join us in prayer!
We encourage you to join us as we recite the Holy Rosary every night at 8PM! On Wednesdays, we pray the rosary via Zoom with the rector and rectora.
Resources for those not able to attend Mass
Daily Readings in English and Spanish from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:
Prayers, readings for Mass, and additional spiritual readings are available at:
Magnificat publication, a spiritual guide that includes daily Mass: https://us.magnificat.net/free
“Give Us This Day” a digital file of their periodical, which includes daily Mass texts. Visit GUTD.net and select “Digital” in the upper right of the screen.