Breaking the Word

  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. 

 He also said to the crowds, "When you see (a) cloud rising in the west you say immediately that it is going to rain– and so it does; and when you notice that the wind is blowing from the south you say that it is going to be hot– and so it is. You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and the sky; why do you not know how to interpret the present time? "Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? If you are to go with your opponent before a magistrate, make an effort to settle the matter on the way; otherwise your opponent will turn you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the constable, and the constable throw you into prison. I say to you, you will not be released until you have paid the last penny." (Lk 12:54-59)

Jesus acknowledges the ability of the people who forecast the rain and the dry weather. They do it well and it happens as they say. They are able to put two and two together and predict the things rightly. They are able to read the nature and use cause and effects to judge the things rightly.

In the same measure they should read the signs of times of the things that happen around them. What things are happening around? Romans are round the corner. Herod and his regime are oppressive. High priests are wealthy, arrogant and play politics. The Pharisees have their own agenda. With all these Jesus is preaching the kingdom of God. Why can the people read these events?

They should take action while they are still in time. Delay will only lead them to a crisis. Israel who is the chosen one of God should fall back to God. Violent uprising will only lead them to court and then they will be made to pay the last penny – that is the lose the land.