THURSDAY OF THE THIRTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OCTOBER 27, 2022

MASS READING

A reading of the holy Gospel according to LK 13:31-35

Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose. Yet I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem.’ “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling! Behold, your house will be abandoned. But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

REFLECTION

how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings

During a summer road trip on a country road, there were reported tornados nearby and a warning of a severe hailstorm coming our way. Thinking we could outrun the hailstorm , we continued on, keeping a watchful eye on the skies and the weather alerts. The further we drove, towns became scarce and then it was just open road, open country. The hailstorm reached us quickly and visibility was diminished. Some drivers found refuge in old abandoned carports. We were not that fortunate; we could not find a place to stop. Through prayer and a good driver, we made it through the storm; our "dinged" car is a reminder on how some poor decisions can endanger us. The Lord again reached down from heaven to save us.

My comfort, my refuge and my strength lie in the love of God. As Jesus journeys to Jerusalem, He stops and expresses His disappointment that His message was rejected. In spite of this, He continues on, obeying the Father's will. His goal is eternal life for us.

Meditating on His message, I am reminded of all He is to me. We were seeking protection from the Lord as a hen gathers her brood. He watches over me and protects me. He tends to my wounds, hardships, worries, and tears. Jesus is always present so I need only to seek Him and draw close to Him. He lightens my burdens, comforts me, provides a cure or gives me strength to suffer, helps me in my battle with the world, flesh and the devil, and feeds me daily in Holy Communion.

My confidence that I will be victorious in trials and tribulations is not in my ability but on the promises by God, the Father. His love was the reason He sacrificed His Son for my salvation. With hope and a firm determination to abide with Him, nothing can separate me from God.

how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings

God Bless us all.