By Joseph Inbaraj csc –
Readings: Sir 44: 1, 9-13; Mk 11: 11-26
Today Jesus demands us to bear fruit in doing the work of God across all seasons. In the gospel reading, the fig tree failed to yield fruits. I could compare this fig tree with the Church, institutions and all other platforms which are supposed to serve the people of God.
In this present era, many of the Church institutions have failed to fulfil the purpose of God, and run behind name, money, and power. We are like the pharisees (the barren leadership) because we refuse to believe in Jesus in some situations and become selfish leading to scandals in the church.
For many reasons, our desire is to hold on to what is most valuable to us in the worldly life and we refuse to live like Jesus. Those who live in the way of Jesus can bear fruit in and out of season. The impossible becomes possible through faith in God.
When we stand firm in the work of God, we may become “the fig tree that bears fruit in all seasons.” If we fail to keep up to his words and deeds, we may become like the fig tree which withers away by the curse of Jesus. It is only through faith in Jesus that we may be able to remove all obstacles and barriers to true life.