SO GOOD QUOTES

On the Parable of the Fig Tree

This parable speaks about someone who had a vineyard wherein was a fig tree, and for three years he found no fruit on it, so he decided to cut it down. This is what we sometimes do. When I look at myself and find no fruit, but only family and work problems, with the children and with friends, and consequently I judge myself a failure. And I ask [myself], “What is the point of my life? I suffer from anger, depression, and stress.” And in the end I may say, “Cut it down; why does it use up the ground? What more could I do than that?” And then I fall into indifference.

But the keeper of the vineyard had wisdom. He saw that there was a third factor for the growth of the tree, in order that it may bring forth fruit: time. So he said, “Leave it alone this year also,” but the factor of time alone will not [cause it to] bring forth fruit, for the year might pass, without there being fruit on it too. Therefore, the keeper of the vineyard will do two things: the first thing is to “dig around it,” that is, to pull out the weeds surrounding it which hinder growth; and the second thing is to “fertilize it,” that is, to nourish it, which is steadfastness in grace.

—H.E. Metropolitan Youssef, How to Develop Your Personality