Homily (Reflection) for Friday of the
Eighth Week in Ordinary Time (I) (28th May, 2021) on the Gospel
Sir 44:1.9-13;
Ps 149:1-6.9. (R. v.4);
Mk 11:11-26.
Topic: Jesus or the fig tree.
Today’s gospel is basically made up of two sections; the cursing of the fig tree (Mk 11:12-19) and the lesson from the withered fig tree (Mk 11:20-26). Verse 11 serves as an introduction to the gospel. And some versions of the bible do not have verse 26.
Our reflection is on the first section. Jesus searched for
fruits on a fig tree but found nothing but leaves. And the evangelist excused
the fig tree, “...it was not the season for figs.” We remember that there is a
season for everything, cf. Eccl 3:1.
Yet, Jesus did not excuse the fig tree that failed to bear fruits outside the
season for figs but cursed it, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again.”
Let us look beyond the fig tree out there because through the
prophet Isaiah God said, “the vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of
Israel” (Is 5:7). By implication,
every Israelite is a vine. He/she who plants a vineyard or a fig tree ought to
eat of its fruits, cf. 1Cor 9:7; Deut
20:6. And God who planted Israel expects it to bear fruits. They include: to
fear Him, to walk humbly in all His ways, to love Him, to do justice, to love
kindness, to serve Him with all their hearts and with all their soul, cf. Deut 10:12; Mic 6:8.
God expects these fruits in the proper season. And this according
to the book of Deuteronomy is at all times including the old age, cf. Deut 11:1. 6:24; Ps 92:14. Therefore,
the fig tree without fruits has not excuse.
Every Christian is a citizen and a member of the household of
God (new Israel), cf. Eph 2:19. The
question now is, what fruits do we produce or do we wait for an illusory
season? God will not spare any person who fails to bear good fruits.
Bible Reading: Is 5:1-7; Lk 13:6-9.
Thought for today: Bearing fruits is a must.
Let us pray: Lord and master of the vineyard,
help us bear good fruits always – Amen.
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