The Fig Tree
The Fig Tree by Fr. Claudio Doglio (Translated by L. Pavese) The fig tree is the first plant named in the Bible. In fact, it is the only real plant indicated by name in the garden of the origins, planted by God, where it is said that the man and woman – after having discovered their nudity – felt ashamed and covered themselves by fashioning a belt with fig leaves (cf. Gen 3,7). However, the leaves of the fig tree itch, so it would be bothersome to wear them, especially if they rubbed one’s private parts. Therefore, since the beginning, the biblical story shows us how Man’s own attempts to remedy the damage he caused are silly and impractical ideas. The Lord would eventually intervene with a merciful gesture, by making "garments of skins for the man and for his wife" (Gen 3,21). Divine mercy intervened to cover Adam and Eve's lack of trust that ruined humankind. The fig tree is a very common plant in Palestine. One could say that there isn’t a home without one. It...