A sermon published on March 29, 2025, by the Parish Admin of st-peters-santa-maria. Reflecting on Exodus 3:1-15, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, Luke 13:1-9, and Psalm 63:1-8, the text explores divine retribution, human suffering, and the complexities of modern social activism.

Key Themes

• Divine Retribution & Tragedy: Dismantles simplistic views linking tragedy to personal sin. Life's fragility underscores the urgent need for personal discernment and repentance.
• Socio-Economic Protest: Compares historical protests (from Mesopotamian complaints to Athenian marches) with modern boycotts. Highlights how corporate resilience means boycotts may inadvertently harm local workers and low-income households more than CEOs.
• The Fig Tree & Patient Discernment: Uses the parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13:1-9) to champion cultivation over destruction. Just as a gardener nurtures an unfruitful tree, the faithful are called to examine structural causes of failure, offer hospitality, and allow time for growth and redemption.