Jesus is asked about tragic sufferings of a group of people. He responds: what about this group and what about this one back when. They suffered calamities as well. He adds repent. He reiterates this after citing each example as the crowd queries him about the meaning of suffering. Jesus has a point to make.
He tells a quick story of a fruitless fig tree and a second chance. The implication is before we are cut down for lack of fruit, make the most of this one opportunity. This moment is grace. You have whatever time you have to create a life. To be who you want to be. You can even choose to improve yourself. So repent of worrying about troubles and the causes for this or that, none of that is where life is; instead turn to the life you are given and nurture it. Stop performing rituals and outward signs to make yourself look righteous.
Just live in your heart where you can be truly alive.
Jesus uses repent like a mantra.
I wonder if these days he might simply say stop whining, get on with living.
His instruction refers to turning ourselves around in the midst of life, in the midst of suffering, to stop looking for reasons for blame. He suggests gratitude for life given is the best attitude. Only then, are you free to concentrate on nurturing the gift bestowed. This life you have is your moment so make something worthy of it.
To repent : turn from your pain, worry, and shame. To repent: accept the gift with humility. You will never know the reason why. It is pure grace. And this moment is all you have or may ever have.
The gates of life have opened, for however long, don’t waste time. You may not get a second chance.
Don’t let the abrupt nature of it scare you.
Life is a gift beyond understanding. Go live it.
It is the hardest lesson.
Jesus admits life is hard. Jesus doesn’t whistle past graves of the dead or ignore the pain and suffering endured during life. But he refuses to judge or weigh the suffering of others, as if the trouble suffered was brought on by sin.
Suffering goes with life. No one deserves it. No one earns it. It is not punishment for anything done or left undone.
Living with suffering is the difficult task of wearing heavy gloves to do good work while protecting and preserving the tenderness of your heart the best you can.
Jesus asks us to stop fear mongering,
Be love of your neighbor as you love yourself.
A favorite quote of mine from Zorba the Greek sums up this passage pretty well.
It goes: ‘ Life is trouble only death is not, to be alive is to undo your belt and look for trouble.’ Zorba tells his boss wear suffering like work clothes, and take them off when no longer needed. Live with passion and joy as best you can and confront troubles with integrity.
I think Jesus would endorse Zorba’s approach with a happy smile and maybe add you reap what you sow. Now be on your way.
THH
3/18/25
Thoughts Have Hands 