04-10-2025

Underneath the Fig Tree

Maria T. Groschup-Black

    

They say, “this tree bears no fruit.”

Its sturdy trunk towers above the vineyard; its branches covered with vines as they wend their way across nature’s trellis, a symbiotic offering of the vintner’s clever calculations.

Sun caresses the branches while wind tickles its leaves, enchanting the earth with ripples of light woven in iridescent patterns across the shaded ground.

Orderly rows of ants traverse exposed roots, up and down the trunk, and along its branches, carrying savory dew drops, nectar, and seeds. Bees laden with pollen hum about, then return to their hive and wax sweet honey.

Laborers lounge in the shadow, seeking refuge from the searing midday heat; and it is here that a seeker is called down from the branches to find salvation.

They say, “this tree bears no fruit.”

Luke 13:1-9, Luke 19:1-10