Lesson from two great incidents : Pilate killing the Galileans and the collapse of the Tower of Siloam

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Lenten Season: Third Week : Sunday*

*Gospel : Lk 13:1-9*

*First Reading : Ex 3:1-8a, 13-15*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 103: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7, 8, 11*

*Second Reading - 1 Cor 10:1-6, 10-12*

*Lesson from two great incidents : Pilate killing the Galileans and the collapse of the Tower of Siloam*

*1) Pilate killing the Galileans* (Luke 13:1-3)

The cause is Human evil. In the context of  political violence, Pilot killed them 

*Political Rebellion*: The Galileans were known for their zealotry and opposition to Roman rule. Pilate may have viewed them as rebels.

*Temple Disturbance*: They were likely in Jerusalem for sacrifice, and Pilate may have seen them as a threat, possibly suppressing a protest.

*People's assumption*: They must have been great sinners, so God allowed them to suffer.

Jesus says, they were not worse sinners; instead, everyone needs repentance

*2) Tower of Siloam collapsing* (Luke 13:4-5)

This is a Accident/natural disaster. This was unforeseen and Unexpected incident

The Tower of Siloam, possibly part of Jerusalem’s defenses or near the Pool of Siloam, collapsed and killed 18 people.

Unlike Pilate’s violent act against the Galileans (Luke 13:1-3), this was an accident rather than an act of oppression

*People's assumption*: They must have been guilty, so God punished them.

*Jesus says* They were not guilty. But it shows that  life is uncertain, and everyone must be ready through repentance.

*3) The Problem of Evil vs. The Problem of Tragedy*

The Galileans were victims of human cruelty—a direct act of political violence.

The people of Siloam died due to an unexpected accident, which seems random.

Whether death comes by oppression or accident, the real issue is our spiritual state before God.

*4) Rejecting the “Punishment for Sin” Mindset*

The common belief was that those who suffered must have been worse sinners.

Jesus rejects this thinking—suffering is not always a direct punishment for sin (see also Job 1-2, John 9:1-3).

Instead of blaming victims, focus on your own repentance

*5) The Urgency of Repentance*

Both events teach that death is unpredictable—it can come from human actions or random accidents.

But in both cases, Jesus emphasized personal repentance over speculation.

Instead of asking *Why did they die?*, we should ask *Am I ready to meet God?*

*6) God’s Sovereignty and Human Responsibility*

While God is in control, accidents happen due to natural causes, human error, or unknown reasons.

Rather than blaming victims, Jesus urges people to take responsibility for their own souls through repentance and faith.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*