A Day to Be Heard

Psalm 61, 62 • Psalm 68:1-20 (21-23) 24-36
Ecclus. 43:1-22 • Rev. 14:14-15:8 • Luke 13:1-9

Luke’s Gospel gives us Pilate, who has committed a heinous act that resulted in the slaughter of Galileans “whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.” Jesus turns his listeners away from Pilate and his acts and back to the Galileans. “Were these Galileans worse sinners than all others? I read this and think, but wait, what about Pilate Lord? What are you going on about? Pilate did this terrible thing – do something! 

But no, the Lord calls on his listeners to repent and then tells a story of a fig tree that is not bearing fruit (after 3 whole years!). The owner wants it cut down but the gardener requests to care for it for another year, describing how he will put manure on it and hopes for fruit the following year. And just like that – I am really confused.

Jesus turns away from Pilate and brings our focus back to self. We are asked to consider the sins of others and directed to repent! It is pretty clear that each of us has our own sins to consider. We are not better or worse according to our own understanding. Instead, we are asked to take a deeper look. 

What are you doing? Are you bearing fruit or do you need a little more tending? Where will the tending and loving care come from? What about our neighbors? Perhaps they need additional loving care and tending to bear their fruit, their gifts. Isn’t it interesting that sometimes, we are surrounded by manure before being ready to share our gifts? 

Written by Susie Norys

Trying my best to listen for God and to love my neighbor.