Fr. Richard D. Breton, Jr.: A Beacon Of Light… Signs Of Christ’s Second Coming

By Fr. Richard D. Breton, Jr., The Wanderer, July 11, 2023

In today’s column we will look at another of the parables of Jesus. This week we focus our attention on the Parable of the Budding Fig Tree. Matthew’s Gospel presents us with this parable: “Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. Even so, when you see all these things, you know that it is near, right at the door. Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matt. 24:32-35).

The Parable of the Budding Fig Tree is meant to remind us that just as there are signs in nature as to when the seasons will change (as in the budding of the trees), so there are signs before Christ’s Second Coming and final judgment. Jesus described what some of those signs would be: “The sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken (Matt. 24:29) He urges us to be aware and be ready.

As with any story, this parable also presents us with a moral lesson to ponder. (The parable uses the word “budding,” a word that denote new life.) As Christians, we believe in the Second Coming of Jesus. When He comes, there will be an end to the world as we know it and there will be a final judgment of all people on Earth. It’s up to each of us to have our hearts aligned with Christ when that time comes. …

Continue reading >>>>