Face Death

Today’s Gospel Text:  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."

6 And he told this parable: "A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came seeking fruit on it and found none. 7 And he said to the vinedresser, 'Lo, these three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and I find none. Cut it down; why should it use up the ground?' 8 And he answered him, 'Let it alone, sir, this year also, till I dig about it and put on manure. 9 And if it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.'" Luke 13:1-9

Reflection: “Get yourself insured” is the new age mantra for life and its eventualities.

Some would register themselves for a health rejuvenation program or join a gym or could be on health foods and vitalizers to rebuild their immune system.

In order to protect ourselves from harm we are constantly asked to be careful and trust much in the abilities of our watchful eyes and other senses.  If not and in the case of those who can afford, they may go to the extent of having body guards or invest in security devises in order to protect themselves.

Yet with all these gadgetries and efforts to protect we could still end up as casualties along the way. Such are the frailties of life! 

Some wise man may say; “Who has come to survive, we all have to die some time or the other”

But what sort of death, a sudden one, lost to the world and with no hope of an eternity. A death you eventually meet but never facing it. 

It is such a reality that Jesus is pointing to when he says; “"Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered thus?  I tell you, No; but unless you repent you will all likewise perish. (vss. 2-3)

The followers of Jesus too died snuffed out from among the people of the world: Were they sinners? Yes, they were, but not like the ones who persist in sin, without a knowledge of God.

While those killed by Pilate and those on whom the tower of Siloam fell met their death without being ready for it. The followers of Jesus faced death, fully aware of the consequences they will have to face as result of proclaiming the truth of Christ to the world. 

What is more these Dedicated Disciples carried in their hearts the assurance of eternal life, an experience constantly lived by the true followers of Jesus Christ.

Prayer:  Lord, let my life be a constant and pleasing sacrifice to your holy name.

DD = Dedicated Discipleship:  Come grow in the Lord with us