Jesus calls each of us to love and service, but in different ways. No two people are exactly alike. Our offices and titles do not matter, our love and service do. The important thing is that all of us, regardless of our state in life, continue growing into Christ, who is the head of the Body we call the Church.

Whenever there is an accident or tragedy in which people are hurt or killed, some assume that they sinned in some way and were punished. Jesus referred to a well-known construction accident and a massacre at the hands of the local ruler. He denied that the victims were worse sinners than anyone else - the events were not punishment - but he ended with a warning to all. Unless they changed their ways, something far worse would happen to them. God does not have to punish us; most of our bad actions bring consequences that are punishment enough. Fortunately, God is vey patient, as the parable of the barren fig tree tells us. He will give us every opportunity to change - all that he asks is that we bear spiritual fruit. Let us each day resolve to do better.