In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,
As we enter into the solemn and holy days of this Great and Holy Week, the Church calls us to awaken from spiritual slumber and to prepare our hearts for the Passion of our Lord. Today, on Holy Monday, the Gospel places before us two profound images: the withered fig tree and Joseph the Patriarch—both of which call us to examine the fruitfulness of our faith.
The Withered Fig Tree: A Warning Against Empty Faith
In today’s Gospel, we hear of our Lord approaching a fig tree, expecting to find fruit (Matthew 21:18-22; Mark 11:12-14, 20-26). Finding none, He curses it, and it withers. At first glance, this may seem harsh, but our Lord is teaching us something vital. The fig tree, lush in appearance but barren in fruit, symbolizes a life of external religiosity without inner transformation.
Are we like that fig tree—appearing faithful, but lacking the true fruits of repentance, love, and humility? Do we go through the motions of prayer, fasting, and attending services while neglecting the deeper call to holiness? Holy Monday calls us to self-examination. Christ does not seek outward observances alone—He desires our hearts.
Joseph the Patriarch: A Foreshadowing of Christ
The Church also presents to us the story of Joseph the Patriarch, the son of Jacob, whose life foreshadows Christ’s suffering. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold for silver, unjustly accused, and cast into prison—yet he remained steadfast, trusting in God’s providence. In him, we see an image of Christ, who was likewise betrayed, sold for thirty pieces of silver, unjustly condemned, and handed over to death.
But what stands out most in Joseph’s story is his response. He did not harbor bitterness against his brothers. Instead, he forgave them and later saved them from famine. So too, our Lord, in His suffering, does not retaliate but prays, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). This Holy Week, we are called to imitate this forgiveness and mercy.
Preparing Our Hearts for Christ’s Passion
As we move toward the Cross and Resurrection, Holy Monday reminds us that true faith is not just in words, but in actions. Let us bear the fruits of repentance, showing mercy, love, and humility. Let us, like Joseph, endure suffering with patience and trust in God’s plan. And let us walk this path of Holy Week not as mere spectators, but as true disciples—ready to die to ourselves and rise with Christ in glory.
May the Lord strengthen us to walk this holy path with faith and love.
Amen.
