NOTES for Mar 13:32-33
It is said clearly enough that no one can know either the day or the hour, yet advice is given to watch for signs that speak of coming events. But how can we avoid confusing true symptoms with apparent ones? Over the last twenty centuries, how many natural and historical cataclysms have already occurred, how many signs have seemed to coincide with those foretold, and yet the end of time has still not come? And does not the fig tree put out leaves every summer?
Yes, every summer, and at the same time it does not know which summer will be the decisive one. But year after year it continues to put out leaves so that by autumn fruit may ripen. Without being troubled by times and dates, we are called to keep watch, so that by the coming of the Master of the house we may have fruit prepared.