GOSPEL READING Luke 13:1-9, 31-35
Reader: The Holy Gospel according to Luke, the 13th chapter.
All: Glory to you, O Lord.
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 others 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
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?’ 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.’”
31At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away
from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32He said to them, “Go and tell
that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing
cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 33Yet
today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is
impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ 34Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent
to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen
gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!
35See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until
the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the
name of the Lord.’”
Reader: This is the gospel of the Lord.
All: Praise to you, O Christ.
Reader: While everyone was amazed at all that Jesus was saying and
doing, he said to his disciples, “Let these words sink into your ears:
All: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands.” (Luke 9:43-44)
