“And he told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none...” (Luke 13:6.)
Saint Ephrem the Syrian offers the following insight on this verse from today’s Gospel Proclamation:
“He told another parable, “A certain man had planted a fig tree in his vineyard and he said to the vinedresser.” This refers to the law, taking its point of view. “Behold, for three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree.” This refers to the three captivities in which the Israelites were taken away, so that they might be chastened, but they were not chastened. The fig tree is a figure of the synagogue. He sought the fruits of faith in it, but it did not have that which it could offer.
During three years, he showed himself among them as Savior. When he wished that the fig tree be uprooted, the event was similar to that earlier one, when the Father said to Moses, “Permit me to destroy the people.” He gave Moses a reason to intercede with him. Here he also showed the vinedresser that he wished to uproot it. The vinedresser made known his plea, and the merciful One showed his pity, that if, in another year, the fig tree did not produce fruit, it would be uprooted. The vinedresser however did not condemn through vengeance like Moses, who, after having interceded and was heard, said, “For the day of their ruin is near and that which is about to happen to them is fast approaching.” We are not saying that the Jews are tares, for they are capable of being chosen, but they are not pure wheat grains, for they can be rejected.” (Commentary on Tatian’s Diatessaron, 14.)
During three years, he showed himself among them as Savior. When he wished that the fig tree be uprooted, the event was similar to that earlier one, when the Father said to Moses, “Permit me to destroy the people.” He gave Moses a reason to intercede with him. Here he also showed the vinedresser that he wished to uproot it. The vinedresser made known his plea, and the merciful One showed his pity, that if, in another year, the fig tree did not produce fruit, it would be uprooted. The vinedresser however did not condemn through vengeance like Moses, who, after having interceded and was heard, said, “For the day of their ruin is near and that which is about to happen to them is fast approaching.” We are not saying that the Jews are tares, for they are capable of being chosen, but they are not pure wheat grains, for they can be rejected.” (Commentary on Tatian’s Diatessaron, 14.)
Collect
O God,
author of every mercy and of all goodness,
Who in fasting, prayer and almsgiving
have shown us a remedy for sin,
look graciously on this confession of our lowliness,
that we, who are bowed down by our conscience,
may always be lifted up by Your mercy.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
author of every mercy and of all goodness,
Who in fasting, prayer and almsgiving
have shown us a remedy for sin,
look graciously on this confession of our lowliness,
that we, who are bowed down by our conscience,
may always be lifted up by Your mercy.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Glory to the Father
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
and to the Son
and to the Holy Spirit:
as it was in the beginning,
is now, and will be forever. Amen
