23-Mar-25 (Luke 13:1-9)

Some people came to Jesus in our gospel story for today and asked him about something bad that had happened to some good people. Jesus explained that sometimes bad things just happen. Bad things don't happen just because people are bad and sometimes good people have something bad happen to them. It isn't because God is angry with them. It isn't even because God is testing them. Sometimes bad things just happen.
Then he told them a story about a tree that wasn't bearing fruit. Instead of cutting it down, the owner said to give it another chance; one more year. Jesus was saying that this is how God is with us. Even when we don't do what is right, God gives us another chance.
So, remember, bad things are not a sign that we are bad or that God is angry with us. God is always ready to forgive us and give us another chance to do what is right.
Let's pray about that.

Prayer

God, we thank you for sending us Jesus to teach us how to love and serve you. Thank you also for showing us how much you love us and that you are always read to forgive us. Help us to try to do the right things and remember your love and forgiveness when we don't.
We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.