Jesus tells us today, “that’s ridiculous.” The Galileans who were murdered in the temple were no different in God’s eyes than everyone else – same for those crushed by the tower of Siloam. Tragedy like this is not punishment for some terrible sin. In fact, tragedy like this is not parceled out only for the individual or group that suffers; it’s for all of us, as a warning that our time on earth is shorter than we think. As Paul says it, “these things happened to them to serve as an example, and they were written down to instruct us.” What is happening to places of worship around the world instructs us that the plans of evil people can always take down innocent bystanders at any time. What is happening in the various outbreaks of disease around the world instructs us that disease lurks around the corner for all of us. We live in a dangerous world. Our time for living out our baptism – our chance for repenting and bearing fruit – is shorter than we think.
But today, this morning, we are still alive, we are here together, and we have yet another chance! God is here looking for fruit in our life, and like the referee, God could say to us at any time, “Fifth foul!” or “Fiftieth foul!” or “Five thousandth foul!” But instead of sending us off the court and condemning us, “you had your chances,” God invites us to stay in the game and try again. The Lord says to us, “my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways. I will abundantly pardon.” Life isn't basketball - as long as the game goes on, we get another chance to do it right.
And there is nothing that feels better than getting another chance! The farmer in financial trouble finds a banker who is willing to help him out, and keep him in operation this season. Another chance! The couple after a massive fight comes back together and agrees to try it again. Another chance! The employee who messes up royally hears from his employer, “We’ve decided to keep you on.” Another chance!
Through God’s grace, we are given another chance – to return to our baptism, to repent and bear the fruit of mercy and compassion for each other. We are given another chance to return the favor, and give another chance to those who have offended us. And we’re given the best chance possible to bear fruit - our gardener Jesus is busy working on us, cutting away our rotten roots, and enriching the soil around us with his Word and Sacraments. We have only to stay rooted in our baptism, to take in the spiritual nourishment that Jesus provides, and the fruit will come. We’ve had our chances before, and thanks be to God, we get another chance today, and God willing, another chance tomorrow.
Gracious God, we praise you for your mercy and your patience with us. Give us a sense of urgency in this season of Lent, to remember our baptism, and live like we are still wet from the font. Strengthen us through your Word and Sacraments, in Jesus name we pray, amen.