RBWords

     Although the situations and times are different in Baruch and the Gospel of Luke, the message is basically the same: those who ignore the message and the messanger have only themselves to blame for the disasters that follow.  In Baruch, the exiled Jews who were not in Babylon [the "diaspora"] are the intended audience.  In the gospel passage, villages that have resisted the missionary efforts of the disciples are the target of the "woes."

     After any catastrophe, people are going to ask if there was any way the event, or at least the damage, could have been avoided.  People of faith are going to wonder if it is a matter of divine retribution.  Those who gave warnings are either saddened or engage in saying, "I told you so, but you wouldn't believe me or at least take precautions."  It seems to me that the best course is to ask what there is to be learned. learn it, and act accordingly.  God's spirit of wisdom moves in many ways, whether it be to encourage people to be more faithful to God's word, or to build houses better to avoid damage from earthquakes!  Both fidelity and prudence are gifts from the Lord and we should accept both.  AMEN