THURSDAY OF THE THIRTIETH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, OCTOBER 29, 2026

MASS READINGS:

Gospel

Luke 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

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, ... How many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling.”

Jesus remains steadfast in His mission. He is neither frightened by Herod's threats nor discouraged by the rejection of His people. He continues courageously on the path set before Him, faithfully fulfilling His Father's will. Even when His love is rejected, He never stops loving.

If I desire to be like Jesus, am I willing to follow Him with the same courage and trust?

Can I find strength in Him to serve my neighbor, proclaim His Good News, and surrender my fears, worries, and uncertainties into His loving hands?

In Father L.J. Callens' book ,Our Search for God, five obstacles are described that can prevent us from experiencing a deeper intimacy with the Lord.

1. Pride — Relying on ourselves rather than God.

How easily we forget that everything we have—our talents, accomplishments, opportunities, and even our next breath—is a gift from God. Humility opens our hearts to recognize that without Him, we can do nothing.

2. Self-will — Wanting our way instead of God's way.

How often do we ask God to bless our carefully made plans, only to become disappointed when He reveals something entirely different? We want God to follow our plans rather than surrendering ourselves to His. Yet His wisdom sees what we cannot.

3. Attachment to worldly things.

Possessions, recognition, comfort, and worldly pleasures can gradually occupy the space in our hearts that rightfully belong to God. Without realizing it, we may become more attached to His gifts than to the Giver Himself.

4. Neglect of prayer and interior silence.

Intimacy with God, like any loving relationship, requires time, attention, and presence. When we neglect prayer and silence, we gradually lose that closeness which nourishes our love for Him. How can we recognize His voice if we never make time to listen?

5. Lack of trust in God's Providence.

Sometimes, all it takes is a little neglect of prayer for us to begin drifting like a tumbleweed, blown here and there by the influences of the world. Instead of resting in God's Providence, we allow our fears, worries, and anxieties to take control. We forget that the One who loves us also knows what is best for us.

In today's Gospel, Jesus longs to gather His people beneath His wings, to protect, shelter, and love them. Yet His sorrowful words reveal the obstacle: “But you were unwilling.”

Perhaps these five obstacles are different ways in which I, too, become unwilling. My pride, my desire for control, my attachments, my neglect of prayer, and my lack of trust can keep me from the very intimacy with God that my heart desires.

Jesus never stops inviting me. The question is not whether He is willing to gather me into His loving embrace, but whether I am willing to surrender and let Him.

Which side do we want to join? Jesus' unwavering willingness to love us or our reluctance to surrender to His love?

God Bless You