Today,
Jesus invites us to see how the fig tree buds sprout, a symbol of our
Church that, periodically, is renewing itself thanks to that inner
power God instills in it (let us remember the allegory of the vine
and the branches, cf. Jn 15): «Look at the fig tree and
all the trees. As soon as their buds sprout, you know that summer is
already near» (Lk 21:29-30).
The
eschatological discourse we are reading these days, in its prophetic
style, deliberately warps chronology, by placing at the same level
things that must happen in different moments. The fact that, in the
portion of the fragment chosen for today's liturgy, we have a very
limited range, allows us to think that, perhaps, we should assume
what is therein said as said by us, here and now: «This
generation will not pass away, until all this has happened» (Lk
21:32). In fact, Origen already comments: «All this can happen
in each one of us; in us, death may remain destroyed, the definite
enemy of ours».
Today,
I would like to speak as the prophets did: we are about to
contemplate a great sprouting in the Church. Look at the signs of the
times (cf. Mt 16:3). Soon important things are to happen. Do
not be afraid. Remain in your place. Set the seeds enthusiastically.
And, afterwards, you will joyfully return carrying your bundled
sheaves (cf. Ps 126,6). It is true that the enemy-man will
keep on sowing darnel. The evil will not burn until the end of time
(cf. Mt 13:30). But the Kingdom of God is already here amidst
us. And, through great efforts, it is making his way (cf. Mt
11:12).
Pope
John Paul II, said it at the beginning of the third millennium: «Duc
in altum» (cf. Lk 5:4). At times, we may feel we do
nothing worthwhile, or, even feel we go backwards. But these
pessimistic impressions originate in calculations, which are
extremely human, or in the bad image some media malevolently likes to
give of us. The hidden reality that makes no noise, is this constant
work we are doing together, impelled by the force of the Saint
Spirit.
