How are we to understand the signs of the seasons changing? We might ordinarily think that Jesus is referring to the ‘End Times’ when he speaks of the fig tree and its fruit: a sign that the Kingdom of God is at hand. He does not refer to a physical kingdom. When the Holy Spirit is active within us, and we bear the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, kindness, faithfulness, patience, goodness, gentleness, and self-control: the Kingdom of God is truly at hand, within us. John 15:5 says that Jesus is the vine, we are the branches, and God is the gardener. Any branch that does not bear fruit is cut off. What a privilege it is to bear fruit that nourishes others, enabling those in need to partake. Fruit is never grown for its own sake; it exists to be shared. So too with our lives. If more and more people grow with the awareness that we are called to bear fruit, the Kingdom of God could truly manifest in a tangible, transformative way in the world.

PRAYER: Abba Father, help me to grow in fruitfulness. Amen.