Luke 13:1–9
At that very time there were some present who told him
about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He
asked them, 'Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they
were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you
repent, you will all perish as they did. Or those eighteen who were killed when
the tower of Siloam fell on them-do you think that they were worse offenders
than all the others living in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent,
you will all perish just as they did.' Then 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. So he said to the gardener, "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?" He replied, "Sir, let it alone for
one more year, until I dig round it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next
year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down."
Reflection
How do I receive news stories of destruction and distress?
Do I just to look out about what is going to happen or to
look at what is happening in my heart?