We almost don’t need to know about the details of the disasters mentioned in today’s Gospel reading - who the Galileans were who were murdered whilst offering sacrifice and what tower it was which fell on whom.  Jesus’ teaching quite clear: “Do you think that the Galileans who suffered like that were greater sinners than other Galileans?”  And of those crushed by the tower: “Do you suppose that they were more guilty than all the other people living in Jerusalem?”  In other words he is saying that we should not think that those who suffer misfortune deserve it and that we are all right!  St Paul puts it even more strongly to the Corinthians: “The man who thinks he is safe must be careful he does not fall.”

The second half of the Gospel tells us, in the parable of the unproductive fig tree, that God is patient.  Just like the man who digs around the tree and manures it to save it from being uprooted, the Father besieges us with love in the hope that we will turn away from the sin which is slowly killing us.  We can turn towards this love, and when we do it will be shown in changed behaviour and attitudes.

Judging the poor harshly is a good modern example.  The beggar on the street, or the Big Issue vendor that we walk past is homeless “…because they want to be…” or “…they are too lazy to find proper work…” or “…they are obviously drug addicts or alcoholics who want me to prop up their disgusting habits.”  So, warm and well-fed, we can walk past without noticing them because we have already judged them unworthy of our attention.  Yes, the pressure of beggars is great if you work in town on a daily basis, but it is no excuse to feel smug and secure about other’s poverty.

Jesus tells us today to see others as fully rounded human beings like ourselves.  He tells us to be realistic about our own weaknesses too.  Perhaps we should remember the old saying, “…there, but for the grace of God, am I.”  And in remembering this, our thankfulness for the love and strength that we receive will overflow into active kindness, forgiveness and understanding for those around us.  Otherwise we run the risk of living in an empty and complacent way.