Daily Catholic Lectio
The Gospel Meets Life
Sat, 24 October 2026
XXIX Week in Ordinary Time
Eph 4:7-16. Lk 13:1–9
One More Year
When something tragic happens to another person, we often ask, “Why did this happen to them?” Sometimes, we go a step further and conclude, “They must have done something wrong. That is why they are suffering.” While we are busy examining the reasons for other people’s suffering, we often fail to recognise what needs to change in our own lives.
In today’s Gospel, some people tell Jesus about the Galileans whom Pilate had killed. Jesus also mentions eighteen people who died when the tower of Siloam collapsed.
Were these people greater sinners than others? Jesus answers clearly: No.
We must not assume that suffering is necessarily a punishment for someone’s sins. People who experience illness, accidents, or natural disasters should not be treated as though they are guilty of wrongdoing.
But Jesus does not stop there. He warns his listeners that unless they repent, they too will perish.
Instead of asking why others suffer, we should ask what needs to change in our own lives.
To explain this, Jesus tells the parable of a fig tree. For three years, the tree has produced no fruit. Its owner wants to cut it down. But the gardener pleads, “Sir, leave it for this year also. I shall cultivate the ground around it and fertilise it.”
The attitude of the gardener is remarkable. He does not immediately abandon the unproductive tree. Instead, he is willing to work harder so that it may bear fruit.
God’s mercy works in a similar way. When we fail, God does not immediately abandon us. He continues to offer opportunities to rise again, change our ways, and become fruitful.
But we must remember something important. The gardener asks for only one more year. Additional time is not permission to live without responsibility. It is an opportunity for transformation.
In our lives, too, we keep postponing certain changes. Controlling our anger, forgiving someone, abandoning an unhealthy habit, repairing relationships, and growing closer to God are often postponed until tomorrow.
Yet every new day is another opportunity that God gives us.
The additional time God gives us is not merely for living longer, but for bearing fruit!
We should never mistake God’s patience for weakness. His patience expresses his continuing hope for our transformation.
Today’s invitation: Let us begin today one important change that we have been postponing for a long time.
A question for today: If God gave me one more year, what fruit would I want my life to bear?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, free me from the tendency to judge others. Help me recognise your patience and mercy, change my ways, and live a fruitful life through love and good works. Amen.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
A Yesni Prays Initiative
Leave a Reply