Seeking fruit and finding none

Last evening, a few of the members of our weekly contemplative prayer group, shared on each having a tree that refused to bear despite nurturing, manuring and fertilizing. They expressed a mixture of feelings - frustration, exasperation and reluctant patience.

Their sharings were in response to this week’s Gospel Luke 13: 1-9 ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came seeking fruit on it and found none.’ Their sharings initiated a reflection on fig trees and their fruitfulness.

It was common in biblical times to plant fig trees in vineyards. Vineyards were seen as fertile land, and it was normal for landowners to plant other crops, like figs, olives, or grain, alongside the vines to maximize the use of the land.

The fig tree was a valuable and widely cultivated tree, known for its nutritious fruit and shade. Fig trees were also seen as a symbol of blessing and prosperity. Their fruitfulness was linked to spiritual health—a barren fig tree often symbolized unfaithfulness or judgment. They were long-lived and slow-growing, making them a fitting symbol for patience and expectation.

In Mark 11:12-14, Jesus was hungry and saw a fig tree with leaves. Normally, fig trees produce fruit before or at the same time as leaves. Since it had leaves, it should have had early fruit. When Jesus found no fruit, he said, ‘May no one ever eat fruit from you again.’ The next day the disciples saw that the tree had withered from the roots.

Friend, I believe these stories of unfruitful fig trees communicate a message to us, emphasizing the need to be fruitful with the graces we have received. Our talents and gifts are not for the personal accumulation of wealth and comfort but for being fruitful for others. We are expected to give nutritious fruit and shade from the blistering sun.

May we take this as a call to examine our own lives. Let us nurture our fruitfulness through prayer, love, and service so that we may be a source of nourishment and shelter for those around us.

Thank you to those who expressed their prayers for my discernment in seeking to embark on a grand pilgrimage. In response, I have expanded the Life Transitions Membership Program to be Pilgrims of Hope. Adapting to the theme of the Jubilee Year and exploring what it is to be a Pilgrim of Hope. You can join the Program by clicking on the link - Pilgrims of Hope LINK