Voices of Faith offers perspectives from religion columnists. This week’s question: What explains Jesus’ impatience with the fig tree? A parable on leadership The Rev. Joe Nassal, priest at Precious ...

In Luke 13, Jesus tells a parable about a barren fig tree. The tree is planted in a vineyard, which sounds weird, but fig trees were often used as trellises in vineyards. The owner is unhappy because ...

Homily delivered at the Bridegroom Matins Service at the Chapel of Saint Sergius of Radonezh April 13, 2014. In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. In the Gospel reading we ...

The Rev. Joe Nassal, priest at Precious Blood Center in Liberty: The context provides a clue. At this point in the Gospel, Jesus arrives in Jerusalem to complete his mission. The cross looms large. He ...

So scholars suggest that the fig tree serves as a parable. Jesus has inspected the temple and does not like what he sees. When he leaves Bethany early the next morning before breakfast, he is hungry.