End the Blame Game
Lent 2022
Luke 13.1-5; Repent or Perish
There were some present at that very time who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And he answered them, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish."
End the Blame Game
It's sometimes called the blame game. We believe or even hope that bad things happen to bad people. Jesus will have none of that. The Galilean victims of Pilate's violence did not deserve to die, nor did the eighteen people who died under a collapsed tower. Yet our leaders, our cultures and our own hearts are good at the blame game with forcibly displaced people and others on the margins.
- He must have done something to have to flee his homeland.
- She knew the Mediterranean is dangerous; why did she try to cross it?
- Did they think it would be easy to cross a border with a child?
For people on the margins, life is difficult. They know violence and accidents happen any time; they understand travel is perilous. So, when the moment arrives to choose life, a choice with urgency and risk, they make it. Who among us would not do the same for ourselves and our families?
Today, Jesus' call to repent makes it clear that the time to change our lives is now. It is now because we never know when the tower might fall, the unexpected might happen to us.
- What do we need to change?
- Do I have that urgency?
- Do I feel the urgency to make the human family wider?
This Lent, Lord, help me end the blame game.
Help me repent and open my arms.
You may also be interested in

As the colder weather starts to set in the full effects of our nations record high inflation and spiralling energy bill are presenting many in our local communities to make choices between heating or eating.As part of the national 'Warm Hub' initiative many churches are opening their doors to provide a warm, welcoming, safe place for people of all ages. Hot drinks and sometimes a hot...

There's always lots going on at Hoddesdon Methodist Church!Click here to read some of the latest newsHoddesdon Methodist ChurchMiddlefield Road, Hoddesdon EN11...

The Closing Service at North Weald Methodist Church took place yesterday, Sunday 23 October.The 65 strong congregation was made up for present and past members of the church along with representatives of the local community and the other churches in HAEBEA. The service, which was led by Revd Blair Kirkby — Methodist Superintendent, included the hearty singing of Hymns with Mrs Rosemary...
Calendar

Mon-Friday: 10am - 2pm (Closed on Bank Holidays)

Hoddesdon Methodist Church

Ongar URC, High Street, Ongar, CM5 9EA

Hoddesdon Methodist Church
News stories




Publications



