The context provides a clue. At this point in the Gospel, Jesus arrives in Jerusalem to complete his mission. The cross looms large. He is hungry and sees a fig tree in the distance that is “covered ...

Luke 13:1-9At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 He asked them, "Do you think that because these Galileans ...

For more commentary on this week's readings, see the Reflections on the Lectionary page, which includes the current Living by the Word column as well as past magazine and blog content. For full-text ...

The mercy of God is not an invitation to "spiritual laziness," but requires a sincere and prompt response from those who want to grow in holiness, Pope Francis said Sunday. "Despite the barrenness ...