10/24/2026 (Saturday) Today’s Gospel reading: Luke 13:1-9

1 Some people told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices.
2 He said to them in reply, “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than all other Galileans?
3 By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!
4 Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower at Siloam fell on them – do you think they were more guilty than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem?
5 By no means! But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they did!”
6 And he told them this parable: “There once was a person who had a fig tree planted in his orchard, and when he came in search of fruit on it but found none,
7 he said to the gardener, ‘For three years now I have come in search of fruit on this fig tree but have found none. So cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’
8 He said to him in reply, ‘Sir, leave it for this year also, and I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilize it;
9 it may bear fruit in the future. If not you can cut it down.’”

10/24/2026 (Saturday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Luke 13:1-9

Theme: A Life That Bears Goodness

Jesus teaches about the need for repentance through two tragic incidents that remind people not to judge others but to examine their own lives. He then tells the parable of a fig tree that has produced no fruit for three years. The owner wants to cut it down, but the gardener asks for more time to cultivate the soil and give it another chance to bear fruit.

Life is a precious gift, and every day is an opportunity to change, grow, and become the person God wants us to be. The message of this Gospel is clear: God is patient with us, but His patience invites us to change and bear good fruit.

Let us use the word FRUIT as our guide to living a life that pleases God.

F – Face Your Own Shortcomings
It is easy to notice the mistakes of others while overlooking our own weaknesses. We sometimes judge people because of their failures, forgetting that we, too, have things to change. Instead of asking why others suffer, let us examine our own hearts. Are we becoming more loving, forgiving, humble, and faithful? True transformation begins when we honestly recognize our shortcomings and allow God to work within us. Before correcting the world, let us begin by correcting ourselves.

R – Repent and Renew Your Life
Repentance is more than feeling sorry for our mistakes. It means making a conscious decision to change direction. If anger has controlled us, let us choose patience. If pride has separated us from others, let us learn humility. If selfishness has prevented us from helping, let us become generous. God does not ask us to be perfect overnight. He asks us to take sincere steps toward becoming better. Every new morning is another opportunity to begin again.

U – Understand God’s Patience
The gardener in the parable represents the patience and mercy we experience through God. Even when we fail repeatedly, God does not immediately abandon us. He continues to nourish us through His Word, prayer, the sacraments, and the people He places in our lives. However, His patience should never become an excuse for remaining unchanged. Rather, it should inspire gratitude and encourage us to make good use of the time He gives us. We are still growing, and God is still working in us.

I – Invest in What Truly Matters
A fig tree cannot bear fruit without proper care. In the same way, our spiritual lives need attention and nourishment. We must invest time in prayer, strengthen our relationships, forgive those who hurt us, and reach out to people who need our kindness. Success is not measured only by money, possessions, or achievements. A truly meaningful life is also measured by the love we share, the burdens we help carry, and the lives we touch. Let us invest in things that have eternal value.

T – Transform Your Faith into Fruit
Faith becomes visible through our actions. It is not enough to pray if we refuse to forgive. It is not enough to attend religious gatherings if we treat others with disrespect. Our faith must produce goodness in our homes, workplaces, communities, and relationships. Every act of kindness, every sincere apology, every sacrifice made for another person, and every word of encouragement can become a fruit of our faith.

We do not know how much time we have, but we know that today is an opportunity to grow. Let us not waste our days repeating the same mistakes or postponing the changes we need to make.
May our lives become like fruitful trees in God’s garden, rooted in faith, nourished by grace, strengthened by love, and filled with goodness that blesses others.

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