Homily: 34th Week in Ordinary Time - Friday - Quiet blooming of fig trees

Chapter 21 of Luke’s Gospel begins with some pretty frightening images.

Jesus foretells the destruction of Jerusalem and the destruction of the temple, he tells of the awful calamities which will precede the end of the world and his second coming, he tells how his followers will be persecuted; that Christians will be hated because of his name; and at the great tribulation there will be signs in the sky, people will die of fright.

Then comes today’s Gospel passage: consider the fig tree and the other trees, when you see their buds burst open, you know that summer is now near.  In the same way, when you see these things, know that the kingdom of God is near.

What a contrast: from scenes of destruction to the image of blooming fig tree buds.

I love how this Gospel appears as we prepare to pass into a new liturgical season.  The last weeks of Ordinary Time are filled with these readings of persecution and violence, reminding us to remain faithful to God during these turbulent end times.  In less than 48 hours we will pass, almost seamlessly into the new liturgical year, the season of advent, the season of peaceful waiting, a season of expectation, which reminds us so much of the last few weeks of a woman’s pregnancy, full of expectation and hope and the birth of her child.

The alarming images at the end of Ordinary Time here remind us to take head, to be aware that we will be tested and tried during these violent end times.

But as we prepare for Advent, we are reminded by this Gospel in particular, that just as flowers and trees bloom serenely and quietly, the full flowering of the life of grace comes about through quiet prayer, daily perseverance, daily waiting, patience, and hope.

Catholics are to be attentive to the rhythms of the spiritual life, like the rhythms of the liturgical year.  It is a good day to reflect upon the spiritual practices that the Holy Spirit might be urging us to take up for Advent: particular books set aside for spiritual reading, extra time scheduled amidst all the busy-ness of December for quiet prayer. 

As we prepare for the end of the liturgical year, and the beginning of Advent, may God’s Holy Spirit continue to shape and form our minds and hearts, that we may know his love, and be found faithful in his service for the glory of God and salvation of souls.