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Translation
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What the Fathers say
Eastern Fathers
Gregory of Nazianzus
Let us not then strike suddenly, but overcome by gentleness, lest we cut down the fig tree still able to bear fruit, which the care perhaps of a skilful dresser will restore. Hence it is also here added, And he answering said unto him, Lord, let alone, &c.
Theophylact of Ohrid
Finally, since, despite all this, the Jews did not repent, Christ cut them off from the love of God. For they are no longer called the people of the Lord and a holy nation, but in their place the Gentiles have been brought in, who are able to bring forth fruit (Matt. 21:43). Under the fig tree one can also understand all of humanity: under the master of the house, God the Father; under the vinedresser, the Son of God, Who appeared in the flesh in order to bestow care and cleanse our vineyard. …
Western Saints
Augustine of Hippo
Or, the husbandman who intercedes is every holy man who within the Church prays for them that are without the Church, saying, O Lord, O Lord, let it alone this year, that is, for that time vouchsafed under grace, until I dig about it. To dig about it, is to teach humility and patience, for the ground which has been dug is lowly. The dung signifies the soiled garments, but they bring forth fruit. …
Gregory the Dialogist
But nevertheless it is our duty to pray for such people. For let us hear what the vinedresser says: "Lord, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it." What does it mean to dig around the fig tree, except to rebuke unfruitful minds? For every ditch is in the low ground. And certainly rebuke humbles the mind by showing it to itself. Therefore, as often as we correct someone for their sin, we dig around the unfruitful tree as if from the duty of cultivation. …
Bede
And he answering said to him: Lord, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it. It is the voice of the apostles, who after the passion of the Lord earnestly prayed for the Jews, that the vengeance of the Lord's crucifixion might not be sought upon the impenitent. Until I dig (he says) around it, that is, by the root of the unfruitful mind humble it with the sharp hoe of rebuke, and by inflicting, namely, the pressures of the present and the terror of perpetual damnation. Every trench indeed is at the bottom. …
Translation