Gospel: Mark 11:11-26

One of the characteristics of this passage is the continuous movement of Jesus, expressed in the repetition and alternation of the verbs “enter” and “leave”.  In fact, the Lord continuously comes into our life, into our space, into our experience, and passes and  walks with us. Later, He goes - He distances Himself - He leaves us to search and wait, and He returns again to be found.  

 

He does not disdain to enter the Holy City, into the temple, and thus is within us, in our heart, offering us His visit of salvation.

 

“He was hungry.” The verb we find here is the same verb used in Matthew and in Luke in the story of the temptation in the desert.  Jesus searches for something more than a simple fruit to satisfy His hunger. The figure of the fig tree, which occupies a central place in this passage, is a very strong symbol of Israel, the chosen people; of the temple and cult rendered to God in its entirety; and finally of ourselves, if we want it, of the most profound truth of our heart. He does not ask something of a fig out of season, but asks of His people, asks of us, the good food of love. That which comes prepared to the table of the covenant, from the “yes”, pronounced with trust and abandon.

 

In this passage we encounter two strong figures: the fig tree and the temple, both without fruit, without life and love and we see Jesus, who with His coming and His strong and sure work, changed this situation, offering a new aspect to life.