In the Gospel lesson based on Luke 13:1-9 the Jews were concerned about the Galileans' blood being mingled with the blood of the sacrifices. Jesus took the opportunity to explain that all are sinners and unless you repent, you will surely perish. How quick we are to judge others and not see the sin in ourselves.

At birth we were labeled "Made by God, pure and wholesome". God wants us to continue to be pure and wholesome, but we are all sinners and come short of the kingdom of God. Repentance is the opportunity God gives us to make everything right again. Just as the fig tree in the parable needed cultivation and fertilizer to bloom and bear fruit, we may need some spiritual manure. We've got a wide variety of spiritual practices at our disposal, any one of which could nourish our withered fig tree lives: prayer, scripture study, weekly worship, communion, fellowship with other Christians. What might be the fertilizer your spiritual life needs right now?

Worship services at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Runge begin at 8:30 a.m. Sunday mornings with Sunday School and Bible Study of Revelation following the service. Lenten services are Wednesday evenings at 5:00 p.m. followed by soup and sandwiches supper. All are welcome to join us.