The Lord takes delight in his people. — Psalm 149:(see 4)

Mass Readings: Sirach 44:1,9-13 / Mark 11:11-26 

Figs! 

Every time I’ve read about Jesus cursing the sterile fig tree, I’ve been baffled by the Gospel writer’s added assertion that it wasn’t the time for figs. Jesus’ decision to kill the tree seemed so unfair, yet I never heard a sermon that addressed this issue. Finally, I researched it and discovered something interesting. In late March, when this narrative takes place, fig trees produce small edible knobs called “taqsh.” Precursors to the figs which appear in April, they are trustworthy indicators of the crop to come. When Jesus inspected the tree for fruit and didn’t find these knobs, He knew it was barren. No taqsh meant no figs. Hence, His pronouncement! 

Why should I ever doubt the Lord’s decisions? He’s never unfair! As the Scriptures testify, His judgments are always true and just! 

Prayer: Lord, help me remember that life isn’t fair but You always are.