Mark 11:12-14

[brigid12]

As you guys know, I usually read a little Scripture in the morning before my contemplative-type prayer. This morning tho’ I was only puzzled by what I read and received no immediate “answer” in prayer. I read the above Scripture in my parallel NT (so 8 versions) and nothing was there, either. I thought of all sorts of possibilities - it shows that even Jesus could have a hypoglycemic moment; it shows how little we can understand the ways of God; it shows that even plants will “hear their shepard” if they have ears to hear…

What do you guys think?

 

[Eucharisted]

The next day as they were leaving Bethany he was hungry.
Seeing from a distance a fig tree in leaf, he went over to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it he found nothing but leaves; it was not the time for figs.
And he said to it in reply, “May no one ever eat of your fruit again!” And his disciples heard it.

It has multiple meanings.

For one thing, it means those who bear bad fruit will be cursed. Compare the story with Jesus’ teaching on good trees bearing good fruit and Jesus’ parable of the judgment of the nations.

For another thing, it means Israel will give way to the New Israel, because it no longer bears good fruit for the Lord. Compare the story with Jesus’ teaching on new and old wine skins and Jesus’ parable of the vine yard tenants.

 

[DebChris]

As you guys know, I usually read a little Scripture in the morning before my contemplative-type prayer. This morning tho’ I was only puzzled by what I read and received no immediate “answer” in prayer. I read the above Scripture in my parallel NT (so 8 versions) and nothing was there, either. I thought of all sorts of possibilities - it shows that even Jesus could have a hypoglycemic moment; it shows how little we can understand the ways of God; it shows that even plants will “hear their shepard” if they have ears to hear…

What do you guys think?

Do be disturbed when you do not immediately understand a passage. One of the most freeing statements I heard in regard to reading scripture is “Don’t look for the answers, look for the questions.” This passage could very easily be seen as one that raises more questions than it answers.
Since Jesus was fully God, as well as man, he knew that it was not the season for figs. Nevertheless he expected fruit to be available when he reached for it. Why would this passage be in scripture? There must be a reason. Could it be, as St. Paul writes later, that we are called to preach the word of God in season and out of season? Is it that we are called to respond to God’s grace and commandments in all seasons, convenient or not?
Since you read this single verse, I take it that you are practicing Lectio Divina. My spiritual director had me use the daily verse as the first line of my daily journal. Allow it to take my writing wherever it will. Monks often meditate on that single verse for the entire day, again without judgment allowing it to take you will it will.
Let the questions arise.

 

[dashso40]

I think Jesus was showing his anger at religious life without substance. The fig tree was supposed to grow fruit but it didn’t,like people claiming to have faith but not putting it to work in their lives.

 

[DebChris]

According to the The Catholic Source book, the fig tree is symbolic of fruitfulness or faithfulness.

 

[roveau]

I’ve often puzzled over this one over the years. The astounding part is that Jesus knew the tree was out of season for fruiting (and that most trees fruit only according to their season) and the tree was condemned anyway. Come on guys contemplate some more on this.