Homily for Saturday of the 29th Week in Ordinary Time

Jesus used parables to encourage His followers and others to think and reflect on their meanings in relation to their lives. Even two millennia later, these parables continue to inspire us.

In today’s parable, we learn about a fig tree in a vineyard that has failed to bear fruit for three consecutive years. The vineyard owner appears reasonable in his decision to cut down the tree since it consumes resources and space that could be used for a productive tree. However, the worker has a different perspective. He sees the fruitless fig tree as still having the potential to bear fruit with some care and cultivation. He envisions a more hopeful future for the tree.

Not everything is as hopeless as the vineyard owner believes; there is still time and opportunity for the fig tree to thrive. This parable may suggest that the Lord views us not only in light of our past failures but also in terms of what we can achieve in the future. He looks at us with hope.

We are called to adopt this perspective towards one another and in every experience and situation we encounter. It is essential to be patient and to look beyond the surface for signs of new life and potential that may still exist.