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Show . THE FIG TREE. (Written for The Intermountain Catholic.) One of; the most solemn, parables in the Gospel is the fig tree. Here is' a fig tree that is planted, for. a definite purpose; that is. to bear figs. It may be an ornament to the landscape, and it may give shade on a sunny day, but its specific purpose is to bear fruit. If it does not do that, it is a failure. There was no possibility of mistaking our Savior's meaning. If a man did not fulfill the purpose for which God placed him here, he was a failure. He might attain wealth or power, or culture, but if he did not fulfill the purpese of his being, he was a failure. What that purpose pur-pose was Jesus Christ had . been declaring de-claring by his own voice and works.' Faith, helpfulness, gentleness, love these are the fruits human life ought to bear. If it does not bear these fruits, it fails of its purpose. The useless man is filling a place which might be filled with nrofit to God. That is a strong reason for removal. It takes up room which might be filled by better trees. |