Prayer:
O Lord Jesus, let me use my time to repent and receive the Kingdom.
Imagination:
Picture Jesus speaking to the crowds.
Context:
Although the judgment is inevitable, God marvelously extends the time for repentance. This is the gift of the Fig Tree Parable. In Palestine, the first three years of a fig tree’s growth were allowed to elapse without the owner seeking fruit. In the parable, another three years has passed – a total of six years.
The fig tree absorbs large amounts of nourishment, thus depriving surrounding vines of their needed sustenance. Fertilizing a fig tree is highly unusual. This tree, therefore, will receive special, unmerited care.
The owner’s patience is past its limits, yet his mercy grants a stay of execution. When this extra year is over, no human power can prolong the time of salvation.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- The vineyard represents all of creation. The fig tree is each person.
- Three years represents a fullness of time, certainly enough for the fig tree to blossom.
- The owner’s expectations are reasonable. A fig tree should produce figs. His decision is just. He has sought fruit for three years.
- Even so, the tree will be given more time. It will even receive the special care of fertilizer to nourish it.
- However, the farmer’s mercy cannot totally excuse the fig tree. It must respond to all these helps and produce life.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O God, you have given me so much for such a long time.
- You ask only that I produce virtues according to my state in life.
- Jesus, how patient you have been with me. Year after year you came looking for virtues.
- You even use your choicest graces surrounding me with every possible help.
- Jesus, I will delay no longer. I will choose a devout life and bring forth virtues.
- When you come next year, I will have fruit for you.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will look at my whole life and see all that God has provided.
+ I will no longer delay. I will no longer put off my decision. I know what God is calling me to do.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
“Lord, give it another year. If it bears no fruit, then cut it down.”