Sam Cassese · This week, we read as Jesus continues his discourse by calling the surrounding crowd to turn away from their sins. When listeners in the crowd ask Jesus about a recent event in Galilee, Jesus corrects their thinking and reminds them that Israel needs to repent. Jesus then teaches the crowd about Israel’s need to repent and bear fruit through the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree. Here, Jesus compares Israel to the barren tree and he makes it clear that time is running out for Israel to bear real fruit. Altogether, Luke 13:1-9 shows us that the answer to Jesus’ call to remain vigilant and faithful is to repent and bear fruit.