Today's gospel gives us a glimpse into the obituary section of a Jerusalem daily newspaper one day in the lifetime of Jesus. "Blood Bath in the Temple, Pilate Slaughters Suspected Galilean Terrorists," "Tower of Siloam Collapses, 18 People Feared Dead." Other Galileans they probably said: "Serves them right - Death to the terrorists!"

1. Pilate decided to build a new water supply in Israel, but he wanted to finance it with temple money. The project was laudable but the idea of spending temple money was very unpopular. They thought that it was proper to give only to God what belongs to God’s. In their anger the Galileans were ready to stand up with arms. When the mobs gathered, Pilate instructed his soldiers to mingle with them, wearing cloaks over their battle dress for disguise. At a given signal they were to fall on the mob and disperse them. This plan was done and many people lost their lives.
   
   It was Christ’s argument that those who survived must not think that they were far better than those who died. It was so happen they were not in the crowd when the soldiers penetrated the group. Christ reminded them not to be so assured of themselves if they will not repent far worst could even happen to them.
   
   
2. Fig tree was a delicate tree. It takes a bigger space and needs fertile soil. Because of this great investments they need to find fruits from it within a span of tree years or else they will be losing a lot of money. In this case, the master has been visiting the tree for three years and saw no fruit. To save his time and money, he has to cut it down. Fortunately the farmer pleaded, and promised to cultivate the ground; this request saved the tree for a year.
   
   
3. The “three years” visit of the landowner is the symbol for Christ’s three years ministry in Israel. And the “another year” extension is Christ’s final struggle in the cross when he entered Jerusalem to die (as symbolized by the digging and manuring of the tree.) Because of Christ’s death, we will have another chance but he will be our only chance. God’s patience is immeasurable but there will also be a time for final judgment: “the you can cut it down”. This is an urgent call for repentance.

1. The tower of Siloam probably one of the towers that guarded the aqueduct bringing water to the pool of Siloam. People believed those 18 workers that died when the tower fell were sinners because they worked for money from the temple tax which belongs only to priests and servants of the temple. Jesus reminded them that those workers died not because they were sinful than others. Sin must not be associated with accidents. Sin is a matter of conscience. Even though you are well and safe today, if you think you have done something wrong, now is the time for repentance.
   
   
2. A fig tree is one of the most privileged trees. It takes a huge land area, fertile ground and full time farmers take extra care of it. But in return, the landowner expects more from it. He expects a good amount of harvest in the proper time. In the same way, God gave us blessings in many different ways.  He gives us “fertile land of material blessings” and nurtures us with a lot of spiritual blessings and sacraments. But like the fig tree we also have to bear fruits on the proper time. These blessings should transform us into better Christians, more charitable to others.
   
   
3. The parable tells us the gospel of the second chance. A fig-tree normally takes three years to reach maturity. If it is not fruiting by that time it is not likely to fruit at all. But this fig tree was given another chance. It is always Jesus’ way to give a man chance after chance. Peter and Mark and Paul would all gladly have witnessed to that. God is infinitely kind to the man who falls and rises again.