At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. He asked them, ‘Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. Or 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? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.’ Then 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. So 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?” He replied, “Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig round it and put manure on it. If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.” ’ Luke 13:1-9
Today, we all have a solemn duty to get out and vote. We are called to tend our garden, to make things grow so all can thrive and enjoy life. These days, not many seem to be thriving nor enjoying life in our country. Too many people have so little while a privileged few have way too much. Indigenous people in this country weren't considered citizens, so did not get the right to vote until 1924, a little over 100 years ago. The people that tended this garden, long before we called it America, with reverence and skill, have often been pushed to the margin. Let us all be caretakers of this fragile and abundant garden together.
A Prayer for Election Day 2026
Gracious Creator, you give us voice and compassionate hearts
wise minds to make good choices and skills as gardeners
to tend to the people and this earth with great care and love.
We have been bombarded with negative attacks and name calling
we have watched grown people act like bullies on the playground
and we have waited too long to step in and stop the bad behavior.
Make us your people today, armed with love and compassion for all
may we fight for those who have lost their voices and their homes
so this garden we love might flourish again in your precious name. Amen.
