+ 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 timeframe: 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 and moment by moment, 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!