“How many times I yearned to gather your children together
Luke 13:34
as a hen gathers her brood under her wings,
but you were unwilling!”
Reflection
Pharisees tell Jesus to leave the region he is in because Herod wants to kill him. At this, Jesus declares he must continue on his way and accomplish his purpose on the third day, for it is impossible that a prophet should die outside Jerusalem. He also says he has yearned to gather Jerusalem like a hen gathers her brood, but they were unwilling.
Jesus yearns to gather us into his arms daily. He wants to comfort us, push us to grow in virtue, and ultimately be united with us in heaven one day. Yet we can be resistant, just as he describes Jerusalem to be. We might not want to be comforted and would rather stay stuck in sin. This is not what is the best for us, and certainly not what God wants for us.
We are to grow in relationship with him and discover his great love for us. Being stubborn and unwilling to do so does not benefit us. Instead, let us open our hearts to the Lord and constantly seek him out for every need.
Saint of the Day
St. Narcissus of Jerusalem: died ca. AD 216
| St. Narcissus was a bishop of Jerusalem in the second century. Not much is known about him, but one noted miracle relays him turning water into oil for lamps on Holy Saturday. St. Narcissus, pray for us! |
