The parable of the fig tree

The parable of the fig tree is very short but very powerful (Luke 21:29-33). The fig tree, unlike most trees in Palestine, loses it's leaves in winter, so that with it's bare branches, it looks to be dead. Great is the contrast in Spring when green shoots burst out with life from the apparently dead tree. Then in summer, the fruit appears. Jesus calls us to see the fig tree as a sign of hope. He is directing his disciples not to give up because of the difficulties that surround them but to look for signs of salvation. The Messiah has come and he is knocking at the door. Welcome me and you will find new life, he says. But unfortunately, the apparent dead tree, can be an image of the death that climate change is bringing to the world. Death by flooding, bush fires, drought and famine. We did not see many green leaves at the COP 27 meeting in Egypt. One expert described it as bitter, divisive and chaotic, but some fruits did appear. There was agreement on the new ''Loss and Damage'' fund to help countries such as low-lying Pacific islands threatened by rising sea levels. We can all produce some green leaves of sustainable living by planting lettuces or silver beet in our gardens or in containers if we have no land. We can learn from Columban Michael Sinnott who died in 2019. After being kidnapped in 2009, aged 80, he was held for ransom for 32 days. He returned to his missionary work, saying, ''I want to do the little bit I can, for as long as I can.''