Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: October 24,2026

LECTIO - Read Scripture Text:   Luke 13:1-9

Some members of the crowd told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. He said answered them, “Do you think that these Galileans suffered in this way because they were more sinful than all other Galileans? I tell you, no. But unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Of those eighteen killed when the tower of Siloam fell upon them, do you think that they were more sinful than all those who dwell in Jerusalem? I tell you, no. But unless you repent, you shall likewise perish.

He told them this parable. “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came and sought fruit from it but found none. He said to the gardener, ‘Behold, for three years, I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and found none. Cut it down. Why should it exhaust the soil?’   And he answered him and said, ‘Lord, let it be this year also. I will cultivate the soil around it and fertilize it. It may bear fruit then in the future. If not, you can cut it down.’”

MEDITATIO - Meditate on text, allow the LORD to touch us with His Word:

Do I judge others falsely? Do I honestly reflect on my own journey and the fruits of my life?

BREAKING OPEN THE TEXT:

In today’s gospel, Jesus corrects those who assume that suffering is relegated only to sinners. Jesus reject the “retribution” theory of the crowd as an explanation of suffering, and he invites everyone to consider their own lives and repent while there is time. Finally, in the parable of the barren fig tree, Jesus teaches us of divine patience and mercy.

ORATIO – Lifting our minds and hearts to the LORD in prayer:

Merciful and loving LORD, forgive us for our judgments of others and open our minds and hearts to your boundless love and mercy and patience. Send your Spirit to rouse within us an urgency to be the ones You created us to be, to live as You call us to live. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.

CONTEMPLATIO – Sitting with the LORD in silence for a minute or more