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The Lesson of the Fig Tree

December 19, 2023

Zechariah 2:1-13  |  Psalm 45  |  Revelation 3:14-22 |  Matthew 24:32-44

‘From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. So also, when you see all these things, you know that he is near, at the very gates. Truly I tell you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

As we wait for the annual celebration that marks the first coming of Christ at his birth in Bethlehem, we encounter this reading from Matthew, where Christ is telling his disciples of his second coming.  In the preceding passage he tells of things to come:

When he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, ‘Tell us, when will this be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Beware that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, “I am the Messiah!” and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars; see that you are not alarmed; for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places: all this is but the beginning of the birth pangs.

Have we been led astray?  Are we judging books by their covers?  Is it easier to look only with our eyes and choose to hate based on outward differences rather than looking to find commonalities and reasons to welcome and love one another?  I think we are better than that.  I know we can be.

For once we learn that lesson, to love one another, then solving the rest should be easier.  As we mark 43 years since his death, imagine if John Lennon was on to something.  Take away the things that make us different,  that provide reasons to hate.  Give Peace a chance.  Because this is Christmas.

We have an anthem we sing in choir from time to time called Christ has no Body based on a prayer by St. Teresa that says we are the eyes of Christ, the feet of Christ and the hands of Christ.  In these dark times, especially, we need to watch with our eyes for ways to help, lead with our feet to provide the path to truth and goodness, and use our hands to do Christ’s work.  Or maybe with our hearts as we take time to love one another.  As he loves us. 

I wish you all Peace this Advent season.

Michael Sullivan