Saturday of week 29 in Ordinary Time 


Ephesians 4:7-16 

Psalm 121(122):1-5

Luke 13:1-9


Repentance is a sure path to salvation 


In today's Gospel, we encounter the fear and sorrow of those who bring Jesus the tragic news that Pontius Pilate had killed some Galileans and mingled their blood with the sacrifices they were offering in the Jerusalem Temple. A place of worship is sacred and offers shelter to the people of God. Some may have wondered whether this news would provoke Jesus to lead a revolt, given that he was a prophet from Galilee, or discourage him from continuing his journey to Jerusalem. Others may have assumed that the Galileans had sinned and that their actions had brought about their misfortune.


In response, Christ calls them to repentance and recalls another recent tragedy: the people who died suddenly when the tower of Siloam collapsed. Through these accounts, Christ urges them to use the time they have to repent and draw closer to God. In the parable of the barren fig tree, he offers us all a timely call to turn away from sin, regret the wrongs we have done, and resolve not to repeat them. Repentance is a sure path away from destruction and eternal separation from God. We each have a future, and we must decide how we will live.



Life is always changing. We will not always remain where we are or possess what we have today. Since change is constant, we should make the best use of the time, resources, and circumstances available to us. There is no better way to use our time than wisely, for it passes quickly.


Repentance brings life, while procrastination can deprive us of precious time. We are blessed with the opportunity and grace to repent of our sins. Repentance is for now; now is the time. This is the day of salvation.




May the signs of God's love for you remain strong and continue to grow. May Christ always be great and victorious in our  lives and may Mary, the refuge of sinners, pray for us always. Amen. 

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