October 24, Saturday Weekday

Lord, this is the people that longs to see your face.--Psalm 24:see 6

Mass readings: Romans 8:1-11 / Luke 13:1-9

Choosing What God Offers

Scripture scholars say only Luke mentions the two events in today's Gospel: Pilate sacrificing some Galileans and a tower falling on some people. There's no other historical reference to them. Apparently Jesus' listener knew what He was referring to and, certainly, His point is clear: Those unfortunates didn't ''get theirs'' because they were worse than anyone else. And a more horrible fate awaits those who don't repent.

Yes, the heavenly Father is patient as well as loving but we humans -- on earth for only a short while -- have only so long to choose what He offers. And it is our choice. It is our choices. Dozens of them, every day. To do what's right or to do what's wrong. To ''bear fruit'' or, like the non-producing fig tree, to offer nothing.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for giving me so many opportunities to love others.