Repent because you need to - Luke 13 - Lent 3C

Repent Because You Need To

Tony E Hansen

Reflection based upon Luke 13:1-9, Psalm 63, 

Opening prayer

From the beginning of Luke, we hear John calling out a need to repent, “to bear fruits worthy of repentance…”

In chapter 13, Jesus reminds us of this with the fig tree parable. 

Why repent? We know plenty of examples where repentance has been used to inflict actual harm, but Jesus suggests repentance not as punishment but as a good way.

Prior to this, Jesus is questioned about a catastrophic tower collapse that killed people.  People question Jesus, “did they suffer because they were worse sinners?” 

When people talked about New Orleans after Katrina, when people talk about Ukraine after Russia invaded, or recently when fires destroyed parts of southern California. In each of these instances, you hear these people mere presence somehow caused the grief they suffered and not deserving of empathy or compassion. 

They make political spectacles of catastrophe. 

During the basketball tourney, we see crowds of people praying for victory, but only half of them are going away with a preferred outcome. Were the teams who lost praying less?

People talk about whole regions or cities as pariahs that are allowing crime and perversions to run amuck aka “blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.” Yet, those same people never once stop and think about how much of this happens in our own actions or our own perverse attitudes. 

I submit, there are people who claim perverse things happening while they themselves are being perverse in their own words, attitudes and actions. Surprised? 

This happens more than we like to admit. 

That applies to what you think about these words from me. I hear some of you choose not to heed these Gospel lessons because I haven’t lived the most pious life. Thus, this interpretation is somehow “less than.” 

Yet, I have never claimed to be perfect (how could I?) I fail too.

How does that make valid, truthful interpretations of scripture as something “less than?” In fact, the question should be, as Jesus asks, “Who among you has not sinned?” 

This is, however, people snaking ways around what God calls us to do; Or folks confessing sins (for forgiveness) in order to do them all over again. 

Broken thinking. This is a need for repentance: turning to God instead of away.

Broken thinking is us offloading our own sins without acknowledging or understanding what we do, what we did, what the consequences are and why those consequences matter to you, me and to our Creator.

That would be akin to me claiming that I gain weight not because of my own diet and exercise, but because my proximity to others that don’t diet and exercise. How are they responsible for my own failings, my own weight gain?

We dismiss and avoid what is right or even the appropriate (often difficult) path forward because we know losing weight is the easiest task . Because the right path of loving God and loving our neighbor does take work, good mind and good hearts.

Repentance: turning to God instead of away, instead of dismissing. 

So yes, John, the Baptist, and Jesus call upon us to “repent”, to change our ways, to produce fruit and ultimately, to turn to God. 

The catastrophes like the tower of Siloam (catastrophe of any sort), and this parable instead represent opportunities. They represent invitations for us to participate in some deep reflection, self examination of what we do, have done, haven’t done or could do.  

It is a basic theme, not just of Lent but, of the Gospels altogether.  For we are never any moment’s notice from the next catastrophe where all we are can dramatically change - when we could be that story.  

That is one of the reasons why this season is beautiful, because Lent is a season to self examine and return to the truth that is our Creator. 

There, we can sit with the grace of our Creator even with the brokenness that is around us and despite the destruction that could be.

Instead of complaining why someone lives near flood plains, tornado alley, fire-kindling dry forests, or invading armies, we could find the compassion of Jesus tapping us on the shoulder to remind us to be compassionate, empathetic, and offer to help where we can.

We know there are things we cannot control. Why bemoan people making unfortunate choices, people like you and I? 

Repent, prepare your hearts and minds for divine guidance. 

Instead of egotistically assuming we only put out “good” in this world, … hogwash.

Repent, let go of ego and prepare your heart to teach, guide and show love to those around you and me.

Let us remember that we have in God, someone who gives us everything, is always forgiving, and is abundantly doing these for us.  

Where is our example of this?  

Instead of finding fault, judging or dismissing people, remember they too are children of God. 

Repent, heal and be the example.

Healing does not mean that we ignore or forget what has happened, but we do not let hate and fear prevent healing. God is there. Listen to the Spirit and you will find healing.

Beloved, repent because you need to. Be the love of Jesus. Find your place in the comfort and love of God. 

Welcome folks to be there with you, for that is what you are asked to do. That is when you bear fruit.

Thanks Be to God