Holy Week: Tuesday

Holy Week: Tuesday

04/15/014

Just yesterday we were reminded of the cursed fig tree. Today we revisit this topic, and are taught the parable of the talents. Likewise, we hear about the destruction of the temple and are made knowledgeable of the second coming.

1. Withered Fig Tree
2. Second Coming

Today we notice that Christ returns to Jerusalem where the disciples encounter the fig tree that was cursed. Today, it is completely withered Matthew 11:20-21"Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which You cursed has withered away.” We are reminded once more of the consequences of remaining unfruitful. 

Likewise today we are also reminded to remain vigilant and faithful till the end of days. In liturgy we recite "we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the coming age. Amen" and at times it's more of a recitation than a contemplation. The resurrection of the dead will only come during the end of time, during Christ's second coming.

During Pascha services tonight we read Matthew 24:3-35 where the disciples are seated with Christ on Mount Olives and question what signs to expect during the end of times.

These signs are described below. Matthew 24:3-35

And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled; for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.  For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.“Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and kill you, and you will be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. And then many will be offended, will betray one another, and will hate one another. Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many.  And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

I wrote a small poem ...

Nation against nation will rise,
friends and families breaking ties,
it's hard to tell between truth and lies,
and it'll be too late to wonder why.

We've become a world filled with killing and hate,

We've become a bleeding heart, without a pulse or rate.

We offend, betray, kill and sin we recreate,

but love, ... we've considered it, such a heavy weight.

and so, the love of many will grow cold,

the love of earthly desires will be uncontrolled,

We'll crave prestigue, honor, silver and gold,

Yet God's word we knowingly withhold.

Christ warns that the tribulations will not cease,

The calamities and hatred will not decrease,

but in faith and hope we must increase,

as we await the day He comes to restore the peace.

And when that day comes, what will you say?

Will you offer your fruits to God and display,

or will you cover your face and look away,

and feel regret for your evil ways?

Yet a promise was left, a promise He gave,
"He who endures to the end shall be saved".

resist the sin by which you have been enslaved,

and offer thanks to He who shall be praised.

I never thought of this before, but let's recall yesterday's message concerning the fig tree and now let's examine today's message concerning the second coming. We are warned of the consequences of not being fruitful and today we are reminded of the calamities and tribulations that will occur during the end of days. Now, let's put these two together and see what message we're left with. "Be fruitful during the season of tribulations". Resist the sin that has chained you down, it's like a virus that will only continue to feed on you until it has taken over. Moreover, be fruitful in time of tribulation and be prepared to carry your cross all the way to Golgotha while reciting "let it be according to your mercy O Lord, and not according to my sins."

Amen.