2 June 2023

Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time

It may be too much to conclude that Jesus acted rashly in cursing the fruitless fig tree in today’s gospel because he was hungry. In any case his hunger is an important reminder of his humanity. What can be said without a doubt is that somehow a curse becomes a lesson in faith when Peter looks astounded at the withered tree. The curse had its effect. Jesus says that in prayer we must believe that we will receive what we ask for. We must ask with faith from the depths of our hungry hearts.  

Jesus adds another instruction: forgive anyone against whom you have a grievance. Perhaps by placing ourselves in our own humanity that feels hunger, that has limitations, that can act rashly, we may more easily be able to see and forgive the limitations and shortcomings of the humanity in our neighbor who has grieved us. It’s a goal we can always aspire to in prayer.