In the Jewish scriptures, the fruit of a fig tree is used as a metaphor

to describe the relationship of the people to God.

Symbolically directed against the Jews who did not accept Jesus as king.

he shows "His justice on the sinners who bring forth not the expected fruits of grace."

In cursing the fig-tree, but now also he confirms the faith of

his disciples, instead by displaying the rigours of his justice.

   

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊     

 

1 Peter 4:7-13

The end of all things

Is near; keep your minds calm and sober for prayer.  Above all, let your love for one another be sincere,

for love covers a multitude of sins. Welcome one another into your houses without complaining.

Serve one another with the gifts each of you received, thus becoming good managers of the varied graces of God.

If you speak, deliver the word of God; if you have a special ministry, let it be seen as God’s power,

so that, in everything, God may be glorified in Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and power forever and ever. Amen.

My dear people, do not be surprised at the testing by fire, which is taking place among you,

as though something strange was happening to you. Instead, you should be glad to share

in the sufferings of Christ because, on the day his glory is revealed, you will also fully rejoice.

 

Ps 96:10, 11-12, 13 

The Lord comes to judge the earth.

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

Mark 11:11-26

So Jesus entered Jerusalem and went into the temple.

And after he had looked all around, as it was already late,

he went out to Bethany with the Twelve.

The next day, when they were leaving Bethany, he felt hungry.

In the distance he noticed a fig tree covered with leaves,

so he went to see if he could find anything on it. When he reached it,

he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs.

Then Jesus said to the fig tree, "May no one ever eat your fruit!"

And his disciples heard these words.

 

When they reached Jerusalem, Jesus went to the temple,

and began to drive away all the people he saw buying and selling there.

He overturned the tables of the money changers and the stools of those who sold pigeons.

And he would not let anyone carry anything through the temple area.

Jesus then taught the people, "Does not God say in the Scriptures:

My house will be called a House of Prayer for all the nations?

But you have turned it into a den of thieves."

The chief priests and the teachers of the Law heard of this,

and 3 they tried to find a way to destroy him. They were afraid of him,

because all the people were astonished by his teaching.

When evening came, Jesus left the city.

 

Early next morning, as they walked along the road,

the disciples saw the fig tree withered to 

its roots. Peter then said to him, "Master, look!

The fig tree you cursed has withered." And Jesus replied,

"Have faith in God. Truly, I say to you, if you say to this mountain,

'Be taken up and cast into the sea, and have no doubt in your heart,

 

but believe that what you say will happen, it will be done for you.

Therefore, I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer,

believe that you have received it, and it shall be done for you.

And when you stand to pray, if you have anything against anyone,

forgive, so that your heavenly Father may also forgive your sins."

 

Gospel Reflection ：

His humanity transcends his divinity.

This passage highlights various aspects of Jesus' experience,

including his travels with his disciples, the fig tree episode,

and the cleansing of the Temple. It emphasizes the humanity of Jesus as portrayed in the Gospel.

Like us, he experiences a full range of human emotions and encounters.

Yet, even in these moments, we glimpse the divine. His humanity transcends his divinity,

 

revealing what it truly means to be human. These layers of Jesus' experiences in today's Gospel show

that we, too, can encounter the divine within our own humanity. Our limitations are not the end;

rather, they are opportunities to experience God's salvation. We are like the fig tree,

given numerous chances to grow, and we, too, may undergo a cleansing process in our lives,

much like Jesus did in the Temple. In all that we do, let us remember our calling

as followers of Christ and strive to glorify God in our daily lives.