The withering of the fig tree from today's Matins gospel sets the tone for Holy Week...

The withering of the fig tree from today's Matins gospel sets the tone for Holy Week: the time of our Lord's Passion. Before this, all of Christ's miracles were regenerative (i.e. restoring sight, hearing, health, etc.) or positive in nature (i.e. the great catch of fish, feeding the five thousand, changing water into wine, etc.). Yet this is the only miracle or "sign" which is actually destructive. Therefore, it is deep-set with meaning and an ominous reminder of just how swift and immediate our own judgment will be if we fail to produce and bear the spiritual fruit God requires of us.

Fr. John