Therefore came He vainly seeking fruit upon the Fig-Tree, "for the time of figs was not yet."
And from that day forth, because of the curse of Eve, no man has eaten fruit of the Fig-Tree.
For the inward understanding has withered away, there is no discernment any more in men. They have crucified the Lord because of their ignorance, not knowing what they did.
Wherefore, indeed, said our Lord to our Lady:—"Woman, what is between me and thee? For even my hour is not yet come."
Because until the hour of the Man is accomplished and fulfilled, the hour of the Woman must be deferred.
Jesus is the Vine; Mary is the Fig-Tree. And the vintage must be completed and the wine trodden out, or ever the harvest of the Figs be gathered.
But when the hour of our Lord is achieved; hanging on His Cross, He gives our Lady to the faithful.
The chalice is drained, the lees are wrung out: then says He to His Elect:—"Behold thy Mother!"
But so long as the grapes remain unplucked, the Vine has nought to do with the Fig-Tree, nor Jesus with Mary.
He is first revealed, for He is the Word; afterwards shall come the hour of its Interpretation.