Third Sunday in Lent: Gospel, Luke 13:1-9                     

Luke 13:1-9

I have watched more than one YouTube video regarding various conflicts. And it doesn’t matter whether the subject is political, educational, or within the family, there is always the pointing of fingers. The conflict is invariably “their fault.” As long as that attitude dominates in conflict there will never be any movement forward. Toward what? Toward reconciliation.

The same is true among the community of Jesus’ disciples. When there is conflict one often hears, “they don’t do it right.” What is really being said is, “They don’t do things the way I would.” In this week’s gospel Jesus is teaching about the need, not to denigrate others for their errors, but to look in the mirror. Because we all have more than enough “errors” of our own. Repentance is a personal requirement for peace. Peace with God and with our neighbors. And repentance is not something we should fear or avoid. Because it is, like all good things, a gift from God. When Jesus says you and I should repent, he is saying we should receive something. A gift from him. And as you and I learn the healthy habit of ongoing repentance we find it to be a gift that keeps on giving.

Blessed Lent!