Mt. 21: 18-22

The fig tree symbolizes the people of Israel and grew with plenty of leaves. They were nurtured and cared by God. The fig tree in the passage was there tempting the passerby…. God’s care could be seen but no fruit found. The Israelite were proud of their origin like that of the fig tree but they were not doing acts of fruition as wanted by God. So Jesus by cursing the tree was using a prophetic method to the give the message to the disciples that likewise this fig tree…. Be cursed if not fruit were seen.

Mk. 9: 14-29

The miracle happens according to one’s trust in God the Father and Christ has it. So often he performs miracle which the disciples couldn’t. The disciples often were not aware about their lack of faith in him. Many people saw the disciples as people of great faith but in the eye of Jesus, they were not. Often he called them as people of ‘little faith’. It is this faith that we have to pray for.

Jn. 21: 1-14 Fifth Sunday of Resurrection

The disciples toiled alone all throughout the night. At day break Jesus joins with them. They catch a great haul of fishes as Jesus directed them. Because Jesus is the vine and they are the branches and those who remain with the vine (Jesus) produce fruit.’ The  mission work also must be done with Jesus and they would find success on their way.

Jn. 20: 19-23

 In the new creation Jesus sends the spirit to his disciples. It is the baptism of his disciples. They are born again (Jn. 3:5). Their mission is to forgive sins of people. They are to preach about the Lamb of God who forgives the sins of the world. The spirit who forgives sins of the world must be always resided in the heart of the disciple. So he breathed on them this spirit. 

Mk. 6: 35-44

All four gospels record this miracle of multiplication of bread. Jst before this in the palace of king Herod was a dinner party given to the senior officials of the court on the birthday of king Herod (v. 21). But Jesus’ miracle as recorded here gave good for many ordinary people. The comparison is striking so as to make the reader think ‘who really is the king of the people!’

Mk. 16: 15-20

It is an additional ending of Mark’s gospel in which Jesus gives the missionary command v. 15-18. The resurrection of Jesus is the universal mission of the church. Witnessing to Jesus, risen from the dead and now with God, remains the very special task and mission of the church. When we hold back from fear (v.8) or by doubt (v. 24) the Risen Lord challenges us to go forward.