Luke 13:31-35

Ephesians 6:10-20

Psalm 144:1b, 2, 9-10

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.”

Opening Prayer: Lord God, you are my shield and fortress. In you alone, I trust. I have nothing to fear from my enemies because you are at my side and have clothed me with your protection.

Encountering the Word of God

1. The Culmination of Jesus’ Mission in Jerusalem: In the Gospel, Jesus demonstrates that he was fully aware of the evil plans of Herod Antipas. When some of the Pharisees came to Jesus to warn him about Herod and suggest that he flee, Jesus foretold his imminent death in Jerusalem as well as the third day of his Resurrection. During his public ministry, Jesus worked tirelessly, preached about the Kingdom of God, cast out demons, and healed the sick. His mission, though, will culminate in the holy city of Jerusalem in a few months. He knows that he is journeying to Jerusalem for his final Passover. On Palm Sunday, the first day of the week before Passover, Jesus will enter the gates of Jerusalem, and just as he predicted, the crowds will cry out: “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” The crowds will proclaim him as their king and royal savior. On the sixth day, on Good Friday, Jesus will be lifted up on the Cross, and the sign over his head will read: “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” In Jerusalem, Jesus is manifested as our great high priest, the greatest of all the prophets, and our merciful king!

2. The Refusal to Listen to Jesus: Just as the people of Israel refused to heed the word of the prophets, the people in Jerusalem refused to listen to Jesus. They refused his divine message of love, compassion, mercy, and salvation. Jesus said that he desired to gather the people under his arms. He will do this on the Cross. His arms will stretch out, and he will embrace us. Jesus is a mighty warrior, clothed in the armor of God, and he fights against evil, sin, and death. Today, Saint Paul encourages us to be a soldier of God and draw strength from God in our fight against evil. The armor we will put on in our fight is not made of steel, bronze, or hardened leather. Just as the Kingdom of God is not a matter of food and drink but rather of peace, righteousness, and justice, so too the armor of God is one of truth, righteousness, good news, faith, salvation, and fortitude. 

3. The Strength of God: God is our Rock. He is the one who trains us for battle. God is our fortress of mercy, our stronghold of deliverance, our trustworthy shield. We are under God’s care in all we do. He guides us as we proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom of God. Our mission to combat against evil and our mission to extend the Kingdom of God must be sustained by prayer in the Spirit. We should not trust in our own strength or armor, nor should we proclaim our own set of truths. Rather, we need to rely on the help and power of the Holy Spirit. When we do this, we are protected and guided by our God. We need to proclaim the truth of Jesus Christ so that all men and women may welcome the word of the Kingdom and, in turn, become soldiers for Christ.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, I am striving to be one of your faithful soldiers. You have washed me clean in the waters of Baptism and strengthened me through the oil of Confirmation. Help me to fight the good fight today and trust more fully in the protection and strength of God.

Living the Word of God: How can I put on the armor of God today? How can I better embrace the truth of God that the Church teaches? Where can I be more just in my dealings with others? With whom do I need to be a peacemaker? Where is my faith and trust in God weak? How can I deepen in my knowledge of God’s plan of salvation and God’s living Word?