Luke 13:1-9 NRSVue
1At that very time there were some present who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2He asked them, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? 3No, I tell you, but unless you repent you will all perish as they did. 4Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the other people living in Jerusalem? 5No, I tell you, but unless you repent you will all perish just as they did.”
6Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. 7So he said to the man working the vineyard, ‘See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?’ 8He replied, ‘Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig around it and put manure on it. 9If it bears fruit next year, well and good, but if not, you can cut it down.’ ”
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Reflection on Luke 13:1-9
Inspiration from 2026-10-24 Daily Prayer
Jesus challenged the thinking of the people who seemed to believe that bad things happened as a punishment from God. That Pilate killed the Galileans was a terrible tragedy, as was the death of the people killed by the falling tower of Siloam. The people probably expected Jesus to condemn the evil and wicked deeds of Pilate. Instead, he called them to repent and told the parable of a loving and compassionate gardener who tended the tree that did not bear fruit. You might like to pray for guidance and ask how your life can bear fruit in God’s eyes.
Further reflection
Like the fig tree, I can feel that my life is sterile. But I ask God for a little more time to bear fruit. What nourishment do I need to become a fruitful tree that gives itself generously?
Jesus often speaks of the need to repent. This means turning away from anything that is not of God. I ask to be brought more and more into the world of goodness and love, of light and of truth. I want to be a genuine disciple.