The Holy Confessor Emilian, Bishop of Cyzicus. Post-feast of the Transfiguration.
Dormition Fast. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat.
1 Corinthians 14:26-40; Matthew 21:12-14, 17-20.
Read Matthew 21:12-14, 17-20
The cursing of the fig tree is not so much directed against it but is in response to the cleansing of the Temple. The money changers and priestly authorities who were chased out by Jesus are the intended provocateurs. Their behavior is being called out as being directly opposed to the will of God. In the Old Testament, the image of the fig tree and its fruit symbolized the people of God and the faithfulness expected of them by God. The cursed fig tree should be understood as a symbolic, prophetic act of judgement against these temple authorities for not bearing good fruit. What occurs to the unfruitful fig tree represents what will happen to this unfruitful nation and its people. We should also be aware that this prophetic act applies to all generations and that each generation, including ours, will be judged just as harshly if we are found to not be keeping the laws of God.