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| Closed shops in Helensburgh |
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.” (Luke 13: 1-5)
This is an unexpected response to a story of atrocity. Jesus is expected to take sides here and he will surely vindicate the innocent victims. Isn’t it clear who is good and who is bad? But Jesus refuses to take sides and instead issues a blunt call to repentance. How would we react if Jesus spoke to us like that? Repent means ‘turn’ or ‘change direction’. We must turn, surrendering again all our attempts to understand things simply from our own viewpoint. We must continue to search for meaning and purpose in the events of life, and we cannot but seek God in all of it. The warning here is about where we look and the conclusions we are tempted to draw. Jesus is not indifferent. It’s just that the story he is telling is so much bigger.
(Extract from Dust &
Glory by David Runcorn)
For Reflection
Who do you ‘exclude’ because of their
actions, appearance, culture or life choices? Try to see the bigger picture.
Prayer
Lord, I repent of all my attempts to use you for my own ends and needs. I turn towards the bigger story of your love and inclusion.
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