Tuesday, January 24 (11), 2023

Js. 3:1-10; Mk. 11:11-23

The Lord withdrew His blessing from the fig tree that had plentiful leaves but no fruit, and it withered [Mk. 11:12-14, 20].  This is a lesson by action.  The fig tree means people who look good, but in truth are without merit. 

Who are they?  Those of us who love to speak about religion, though have no faith in heart, only having some knowledge of articles of faith.  Also those who are very reputable by appearance, but quite disreputable by their mindset and attitudes: those who would never do any good unless and until they cannot hide their wickedness from others.  For instance, such a man would give alms in public, but if asked in private, he responds with scolding.  Or he would come to church for service, he would pray in public and even at home, to show off before family members, but once he’s alone, he wouldn’t even care to make the sign of the Cross.  Much less does he have any idea of the spiritual life of mind and heart.

Let us pray, lest the Lord allow us to be like them: for then we would never escape the judgment pronounced over the fruitless fig tree.

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