O Saviour, Save Us

Scripture: There were some present at that very time who told him of the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 And he answered them, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered thus? 3 I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen upon whom the tower in Silo'am fell and killed them, do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who dwelt in Jerusalem? 5 I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish." Luke 13:1-5

Reflection:  When we see suffering and tragedies or accidents and calamities our immediate reaction is that of sadness and pain or shock and disbelief and anger and hurt.

Some of us may think of reaching out to those victims of such tragedies. In the face of such tragedies, if we were to Judge Jesus by our human standards then he would stand condemned for his aloofness and cold hearted response to such a tragedy. What is more he begins to talk about sin and repentance. Such statements by any in good standing in society can invite the wrath of the people and the media would definitely blow it up. I do not know how many of our own religious leaders, finding this teaching hard and difficult would give their own slant saying; “these words were put in the mouth of Jesus”  and thus will condemn him too by not attributing it to Jesus. They take upon themselves the task of saving the savior of the world.

The Scripture has revealed to us that Jesus’ commitment to humanity is 100% (Rm. 5:8, Jn.3:16) and if he is to be judged by our short sighted vision then he will stand condemned but if we look at the situation from an overall angle then Jesus’ statement is of more value and of better concern: Change of heart (repentance) and save yourself from the tragedy of eternity.

Prayer:   O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell and lead all souls to heaven, especially those in great need of your mercy.

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