Third Sunday of Lent
Introduction to the Liturgy
Resurrection Medical Center

In the commentary on this Sunday contained in the Magnificat, March 2010, the author compares the burning bush in the first reading with the fig tree in the gospel.  He says

When Moses approached the burning bush, he seemed to be expecting to meet God.  For when God called out, “Moses! Moses! From the bush, Moses immediately answered, “here I am”  In effect, the parable of the fig tree makes a contrast with the burning bush.  It is reasonable to expect to find on a tree in full foliage branches laden with ripe fruit.  Yet the healthy fig tree is as barren as the burning bush is “not consumed.”  The dynamic of expectation plays out in both:  Moses expects to find God in the burning bush, and Christ expects to find fruitfulness in a flourishing tree.  Upon his approach, God commanded Moses, “Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground” Saint Paul says, “Whoever thinks he is standing secure should take care not to fall.”  The fruitfulness of the fig tree depends on its compliance with the extraordinary efforts offered it to make it grow.   We are the fig tree. If we fail to grasp this lesson, we will not stand before the tree of the cross filled with expectation for its Fruit.