Romans 8:1-11
Psalm 24:1B-2, 3-4AB, 5-6
Luke 13:1-9
Summary
Jesus was told about harm done at the hands of Pilate and
Jesus asked them, "Do you think that because these
Galileans suffered in this way they were greater sinners than
all other Galileans? By no means!
But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they
did! Or those eighteen people who were killed when the tower
at Siloam fell on them? do you think they were more guilty
than everyone else who lived in Jerusalem? By no means!
But I tell you, if you do not repent, you will all perish as they
did!"
Reflection
Why do bad things happen to good people, to bad people, to people
in general? Although this question is usually posed to the anyone who
will listen; most often we want God to explain to us just why this awful
thing happened.
It’s an accusation we bring to God, sometimes because we don’t
understand, but most usually when we are experiencing an acute pain
in our life, a relational hurt, a physical problem or illness, maybe even
a painful circumstance, like being falsely accused, blamed, fired, or
generally put upon.
In the time of Jesus it was the general understanding that if ill fortune
came upon a person, it was probably because he deserved it.