Lessons from the Fig Tree and its Gardener

Homily for Saturday of the 29th Day in Ordinary Time

Like so many of the parables, the parable of the fig tree can be read from different perspectives. As we read, we can insert ourselves into the parable and become the one who owns the orchard or perhaps the gardener who tends the fig tree or perhaps even the fig tree itself.

First of all, it might be helpful if we knew a little something about fig trees. Like most fruit trees, they did not develop fruit immediately. It usually takes a few years for a fruit tree to produce fruit. So perhaps the owner of the orchard is a little impatient. Three years is not really all that long when it comes to this kind of tree.

Secondly, it is also important to remember that fruit trees depend upon water and nutrients to develop fruit. The gardener wisely suggests that it might need a little more help to develop fruit.

So if you see yourself as the orchard owner, today’s Gospel is asking you to be patient.

If you see yourself as the gardener, you might hear the Gospel telling you to spend more time in prayer and in reading the Scriptures to nourish the fig tree of your spiritual life.

Finally, if you see yourself as the fig tree in this parable, you might realize what Jesus the gardener has done for us through his death on the cross, cultivating and feeding us with his grace and the strength of the Holy Spirit.

St. Paul today writes of the many ways in which the followers of Jesus are called to minister. Each of us is called to bear much fruit for the kingdom no matter what we are called to do in the Church.

Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator