At that time some people who were present there told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with the blood of their sacrifices. He said to them in reply, "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!" … (Lk 13:1-9)
Pontius Pilate was a cruel and unpopular Roman Governor. He had irritated the Galileans many times. He did not respect their religious feelings. He was brutal in dealing with certain situations. These are the pictures of him which we get from non-biblical histories. This is what we find in today’s reading. When a group of pilgrims came from Galilee to the Temple he slaughtered them fearing a riot.
Similarly the tower of Siloam collapsed and killed people. Was it because they were sinners? People try to connect the natural accidents and the events that take place which are beyond their control as the result of the sin committed by them. Such logic does not work.
Jesus wanted to see repentance among the Jews. Even if they were not he was willing for one more chance for them to repent. Repentance is the only way for rescue. One of the fruits of the kingdom is the repentance. It is the only way to escape God’s wrath.
