Under the Fig Tree

The Feasts of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, Archangels 

(Click Here for Readings)

Gospel of John 1:47-51

Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?  You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see heaven opened  and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Today on the Feast day of the Archangels, my mother celebrates her birthday.  She just happens to be on her way to Choctaw casino with my sister and niece for a little bit of slot machine play.  I wish I was there with them, but I'm stuck here at home with the sniffles.  A stuffy head, sore throat and dry cough isn't so pleasant.  I get horrendous ragweed and elm allergies this time of the year, so hopefully these symptoms will pass soon.  I don't like being couped up for long. At least this gives me the excuse to blog.

What if I lived during the time of Jesus and he saw me sitting underneath a fig tree?  I'd be surprised he'd notice me, sitting there all alone contemplating life.  He has so many other people to heal and miracles to perform.  Why pay attention to me?  What possibly did I have to offer?  I'm not on my death bed or leading a terribly sinful life.

I've always doubted my abilities and talents.  I've never thought I was good enough for anyone, much less the Lord.  Every day I pray for an improvement in my esteem.  Some days are better than others.  Even though I doubt myself I never doubt God's existence.  He's there somewhere in my presence.  Sometimes I wonder if he may slip in an archangel or two to watch over me when he has an emergency soul to work on!  Possibly Our Lady acts on his behalf , too.  All of the heavenly hosts work frantically up and down the heavenly ladder, ascending and descending.  So many souls to watch over, console, and convert.  The Angels, especially the Archangels, work through infinite time and space.  

I love the image of a tree.  If you follow my blog, you've probably noticed I've written about it a lot. I've never seen what a real fig tree looks like, but the delectable fruit is hard to resist.  (Fig Newtons!)

Not believing in God, and steadfastly holding on to that disbelief, is like sitting underneath a dead fig tree with no leaves, no fruit, and rotting bark.  There's nothing there to provide us shade from the sun.  No birds, squirrels, no life period, inhabits the tree.  This dead old tree is an ugly sight which sticks out among the other trees in the orchard. No one bothers to cut it down because it's still a member of the community.  Some may even try to go near it to see if it can be revived back to life with some fertilizer and water.  But a dead tree is a dead tree. 

On the other hand, believing in God is like sitting underneath a fig tree bearing much fruit. It's trunk is well grounded; its leaves spread out loaded with figs.  We can take a piece of fruit and enjoy its sweetness while shading ourselves under the leafy canopy.  The birds, the insects, the squirrels, and all of God's creatures love this tree.  It's life giving and life affirming.  It attracts other believers to sit underneath its beautiful branches.  

I have much more contemplating to do underneath my fig tree.  I have many changes ahead that I'm ready to enact.  Some people/situations will be told Goodbye whereas others will be greeted with a friendly Hello.  As the angels are busy up and down the heavenly staircase so am I busy preparing my soul for eternal reward.  

-J.