Contents
Introduction
The Lenten period is gradually progressing towards the resurrection, the fulfilment of salvation. The Lenten Sundays continue to enrich us with messages that prepare us spiritually for the paschal mystery. While the First Sunday invited us not to allow food, power, and wealth suffocate our desire for God, the Second Sunday explained to us the right attitude in the presence of God. This Third Sunday teaches us that repentance is indispensable for God’s blessings and for salvation. As Luke puts it, unless we repent, we shall all perish. We must take advantage of our salvific opportunity.
Unless you repent….
“No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did” (Luke 13:3.5). This was Jesus’ reply to those who came to report to him about the atrocity committed by Pilate. According to them, Pilate mingled the blood of those who came to offer sacrifice together with their sacrifice (cf. Luke 13:1). Replying, Jesus asked them “Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans?” (Luke 13:2). After this, Jesus cited another example himself. He informed those people that those eighteen people who were killed when the tower of at Siloam collapsed did not die because they were worse sinners than the inhabitants of Jerusalem. In both instances, Jesus advised them to repent because unless they repent, they will perish like the victims of Pilate’s atrocity and the collapse of the tower of Siloam in Jerusalem. But why did people cite the example of those who were killed by Pilate?
Conclusion
When some people informed Jesus of those Galileans whose blood Pilate mingled with their sacrifice, they expected Jesus to conclude it was due to their sins. Unfortunately, Jesus did not do as they wished. Instead, he reminded them that they are not better than those people who died. They must repent, else, they will meet the same fate. Why did Jesus answer them that way? In ancient times it was often assumed that a calamity would befall only those who were extremely sinful (cf. John 9:2; Job 4:7; 22:5). But with his answer, Jesus corrected the wrong impression and pointed out that all are sinners who must repent or face a fearful end. The victims of the Ethiopian airline, those who lost their lives in the collapsed Lagos building, those Christians killed by the Islamic terrorists and the victims of the Cyclone Idai have not committed more sins than others. They are simply victims of circumstances, natural disasters and human carelessness. Often, many Christians think that some people suffer or die due to their many sins. This is wrong! As far as sin is concerned, we are all sinners. As explained above, it was and is still commonplace to render people’s suffering as evidence of their sinfulness. Jesus challenges this interpretation. Those who were massacred and those who suffer were and are no more or less sinful than others. Jesus replies that even a fatal accident, a natural disaster, sickness ought not to be interpreted as punishment for sin.
FOR DETAILS, GET YOUR OWN COPIES OF THE BOOK “THE WORD OF LIFE: SUNDAY REFLECTIONS” (vols. I‑II-III)!! The reflection for the 3rd Sunday of Lent © is found in vol. III pages 168–180. See also vol. I, pages 132–149. Happy reading!
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