Reading: Luke 13:31-35
When I was a boy we raised chickens. One of the joys of
spring and summer time, then, was when a hen would hatch a brood of chicks. She
would walk around clucking as her chicks peeped swarming around her. If,
however, she felt they were in danger her clucking would change and every last
one of those chicks would come running as fast as they could.
In our Gospel reading this week, Jesus compares himself
to a mother hen calling to her chicks. The right thing to do when Jesus calls
is to come running to him and to dwell in his tender care and protection, just
as a chick should to its mother. Jesus was calling Israel during his ministry
and he desired – still desires! – for them to come to him to be saved. Jesus
continues to call people, to draw us, to himself for salvation.
Jesus clarity on the issue might be a bit unsettling if we
think about it. He was going to Jerusalem. His purpose was to die there. He was
ready to give his life to atone for the people he loves gathering us in his
saving grace.
There is some debate over whether the Pharisees in this
reading are warning Jesus or trying to intimidate him. I tend to think they
were warning him. Either way, Jesus showed that his mission to bring salvation
to the world would not be deterred by the political machinations of his day. We
should take note of this and take courage to follow Jesus, like chicks
following a hen.
How does Jesus call people to himself today? Where do you
perceive Jesus at work to bring life and salvation to you, to your family, to
your neighbors?
Lord Jesus, you
long to gather people to yourself as a hen gathers her chicks. Thank you for
this beautiful image of your love, courage, and self-sacrifice. Forgive us for
the times we have not heeded your call to come to you. Help us to respond to
your love and forgiveness by following you and carrying your call to the world
gathering people to you. In your name we pray. Amen.
Comments