Barren Trees and Empty Temples

Gospel: Mark 11: 11-26 

Jesus comes into Jerusalem and goes directly to the Temple area which he finds empty.  So he decides to go to Bethany and along the way he spots a fig tree with lots of foliage, but upon closer inspection it has no fruit at all.  At seeing the fruitless tree, Jesus curses the tree and it dies.  While this seems harsh, there is a deeper point at work here.

Both the Temple and the tree give the appearance of greatness.  The Temple is ornate, massive, and adorned with precious gems.  It is an architectural masterpiece, and yet it is barren.  It bears no fruit but instead it exists to exploit people financially.  Similarly, the fig trees looks quite impressive from a distance with its beautiful foliage, but as one gets closer to it we find the tree is without fruit at all.  Its outward beauty is deceptive.  

So it is in the life of faith.  Many people are impressed with outward expressions of piety, ornate buildings, and lavish vestments.  But where is the fruit on the tree - in our lives, and in faith communities?  This fruit is a life of mercy extended outward to others as the text states.  A fruitful life accepts the mercy of God for oneself and then offers mercy to others in all sorts of ways.  Today we reflect on whether our own lives as individuals and communities are working toward bearing such fruit.