The theme this speaks to the issues of suffering, judgment, repentance, compassion, and justice, and they all come together in ways that are both comforting and disturbing. One of the most challenging and important questions we must face today is how we are to respond to suffering. This week the Lectionary leaves us no option but to answer Jesus’ call to compassion and justice.
This week we are to reject the idea that suffering is God’s punishment for sin, and blessing (or the avoidance of suffering) God’s reward. Rather, we are called to recognise our own need of God’s mercy and grace, and to respond by “bearing fruit” – manifesting the life of God’s reign, and bringing grace and mercy into the world. This week we are shocked out of our complacency, and challenged to be more determined in our commitment to follow Christ, even as we are assured of the gifts of God’s presence and God’s provision to fulfil our calling.
Jesus lets us know that in suffering God calls for repentance not as a fear given, but of being grace filled. Rather than cutting it down, we see God’s patience, nurture and care – God’s grace does not condemn but invites – turn from exile and return to God – turning not out of fear of punishment, but out of an invitation to renewal and life. God is not in the business of cutting us down but of helping us grow. May we embrace this season of repentance as a time to return to love, justice, and the abundant life that God longs for us to grow.