Jesus used parables to get His followers and others thinking and reflecting, to see what they might mean for their lives. Two millennia later, they continue to do the same thing for us.
In today’s parable, we hear about a fig tree in a vineyard that failed to bear fruit for three consecutive years. The vineyard owner seems reasonable in asking to have the fig tree cut down because it uses resources and space that can be used for a tree that does bear fruit. The worker, however, sees it differently. He looked at the fruitless fig tree and believed that it still had a chance to bear fruit with some work and cultivation. He had a more promising vision about the fruitfulness of the tree.
All was not as hopeless as the vineyard owner believed; there was still time and opportunity for the fig tree to become fruitful. The parable may be saying that this is how the LORD sees us, not just what we have failed to do in the past, but what we are capable of doing in the future. He looks at us with hopeful eyes.
That is how we are called to see each other and every experience and situation in our lives. We must be patient and look beneath the surface for the signs of new life and possibilities that might be there. +
Homily for the Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist
Homily for the Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, and their Companions
Homily for Tuesday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for Monday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Epiphany of the Lord
Homily for the Feast of St. Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist
Homily for the Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn, Paul Chŏng Ha-sang, & Companions, Martyrs
Homily for Monday of the 25th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily for Saturday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Memorial of Sts. Cornelius and Cyprian
Homily for the Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows
Homily for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Homily for the Memorial of St. John Chrysostom
Homily for Monday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Homily for Saturday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary Time
Homily for the Memorial of St. Peter Claver
Homily for the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Homily for Wednesday of the 23rd Week in Ordinary time
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