DAILY GRACE
October 29, 2020, Thursday of the 30th Week of Ordinary Time
Scripture: Luke 13:31-35
At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox for me, “Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed away from Jerusalem.” Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” ’
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Meditation:
“‘Jerusalem, Jerusalem. . . .“
It’s a stirring lament. But who is speaking here? Luke hasn’t related any incident of Jesus’ public life that took place yet in Jerusalem. I recall a line in John’s Gospel: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (Jn. 14:9). It seems that the heart of the Son throbs in unison with the heart of the Father! The Father has yearned for his children in Jerusalem so many times before, but has been rejected in the person of his prophets.
Today’s reflection is brief. As we think of the mystery of the union between the Father and the Son, we can think also of our own union with the Father and the Son. This union melds our heart with the heart of the Divine, such that the things the Father and the Son lament are the things that we lament. What does God lament in our world right now? What do we lament? Is there anything in me that Jesus laments over?
Prayer:
God, have my words, actions, or attitudes caused you to weep over me? Help me to sharpen my reflective judgments. I want to use my freedom the way you intended, and if the occasion arises, help me to lead others back to you.
Contemplation
A new heart, a new start.