St. John of Capistrano, pray for us – 

In our materialistic society, we think of privilege in terms of money, rank, and position. We are, indeed a very privileged people but what are we producing?  Might the parable of the fig tree be addressed to us? The people in today’s gospel looked at their fortunate circumstance, compared it with those victims of tragedy, and automatically concluded that they, themselves, were more deserving people. An honest answer will show that privilege is no sign of superiority. It is, instead, a cause for gratitude and a reason for humility. So, what are we doing with this privileged life? Is it bearing any fruit? What of it are we sharing with the not so privileged?