Jesus
laments today the fact that the majority of Jerusalem is not
taking seriously the message that he has brought to them of salvation and
redemption that is centered in him. Historically, their lives had not been so
successful under Roman leadership, and their religious leaders proved to be
ineffectual in leading them to right conclusions. And so, Jesus wants so much to gather together the true children of
his Father, like a hen does a brood under
her wings – but they would not.
We must note in this gospel
passage that the reference to the Pharisees here warning Jesus to leave the area because Herod wants to kill
him, is the only positive reference to them in the New Testament. Jesus’
response was to tell them and Herod that he must do what he must do, not be
deterred, and according to his own time-frame: Herod has no real power over him
at all.
We read in the first reading
today from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans that we have an opportunity each and
every day, in fact each and every hour of the day to be gathered into the heart of Christ. He yearns to have us
safely there, so that he can protect, nourish and strengthen us. And so nothing then should be able to separate us
from that indomitable loving relationship: not death nor life, nor angels, nor
principalities, nor present things, nor future things, nor powers, nor height,
nor depth nor any creature at all.
May we rejoice in the reality
of spiritual dynamics, and God’s initiative to gather us unto himself, both now
and forever!
Save
me, O Lord, in your mercy!
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