Uselessness invites disaster (Friday, Week 8, Year 1, 2021)

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If anything can no longer be used for what it is meant for, then it becomes useless. Uselessness invites disaster. In all fairness, whatever that proves to be absolutely useless should be discarded, destroyed or thrown away. It is only a mad man that keeps gathering and hoarding things that he will not use.


With the above in mind, we may begin to understand why Jesus cursed the fruitless fig tree in Mark 11:11-26. This very gospel passage becomes difficult to understand if taken literally. I mean, why would Jesus curse a fruitless fig tree when it was not time for it to bear fruits? If the passage is understood metaphorically, it may make some sense.


That event took place within the context of the heightened tension between Jesus and the Jews. In the Old Testament, the Jews (or the Israelites) were severally described as God’s vines. A vine tree is expected to be productive with good fruits at the proper time. If it does not bear fruits when everything has been done for it to be fruitful, the best decision the farmer may take is to cut it down.


By cursing a fruitless fig tree, Jesus demonstrated that fruitlessness ultimately invites disaster. The message is clear. As the Lord’s vine, Israel is expected to bear good fruits. If it does not, the disastrous fate of fruitlessness becomes inevitable. Nonetheless, the Book of Sirach praises the illustrious men and women of Israel for their good deeds which will never be forgotten (cf. Sir. 44:1.9-13). Such are the people who were fruitful and useful with the grace they received.


Having been constantly manured, watered and pruned, I can say that I now have what it takes to be fruitful. But the question is: Which good fruits do I bring forth? Can any deed of righteousness be attributed to me? If I can’t be as fruitful and useful as I have been created and empowered to be, then I must be ready to face the disastrous consequences of uselessness or fruitlessness.


Prayer:

May we ever be useful with the graces we have received, Amen!




Have a fruitful day!

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