Posted by The WORD in other words (2018) by Fr Melchor Bernal SVD – Christ the King Seminary, Quezon City
Saturday 29th Week in Ordinary Time
It was almost noontime on y in Argentina, when I went to the house of Alfredo, one of our youth leaders who also doubled as a part time mechanic, to check if the parish vehicle was ready. While waiting for him to come from his repair shop, I took shelter under a fig tree that was teeming with fruits. I picked some low-hanging ripe figs, washed and ate them.
Contrary to what happened to me, the owner mentioned by Jesus in his parable did not find any fruit from the fig tree. Getting upset having visited the fig tree for three years and still not finding any fruit, the owner ordered his worker to cut it down.
The worker pleaded to hold the plan for at least a year so he could cultivate and fertilize the ground, so it may bear fruit. If not, the owner could have it cut.
We are like the fig tree. We are given life, not just to occupy a space and disabuse the nurturing support we experience as we live. We need to be “productive,” a productivity that is for the sake of the other. We can only be truly happy if our talents and ourselves are lived in the service of others. If we are so self-focused true happiness will always escape us.
We have heard testimonies of people who instinctively helped rescue others in great danger without thinking about the danger to themselves. They were happier because they helped. Their lives were fruitful and meaningful because of those selfless acts.
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