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

luke 13:34

Luke 13:31-35

Reflection

A few Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod wants to kill him and urge him to leave. Instead, Jesus replies that he must accomplish his purpose on the third day, for it is impossible that a prophet be killed outside of Jerusalem. Jesus then continues to lament about Jerusalem, saying that he wished many times to gather its children together, yet they were unwilling.

Jesus desired to gather all the people of Jerusalem under his wings, but they were unwilling. He desires to gather all of us today under his wings as well, but are we willing? The Lord wants to protect us, love us, and show us the path to heaven. We must be willing to receive him into our hearts and truly listen to him.

Sometimes we want to follow Jesus, but are unwilling to do the things necessary that will make it happen. We should examine what is holding us back, and then give those struggles to the Lord. Today, reflect on your willingness to follow Christ completely. If you find it lacking, ask the Holy Spirit for guidance and support in being faithful to our Lord.

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Saint of the Day

St. Alphonsus Rodriguez: 1533 – 1617

“Whenever you do anything, you must offer it to God, at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end.” St. Alphonsus Rodriguez