Luke 13:31-35

Romans 8:31b-39

Psalm 109:21-22, 26-27, 30-31

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, I am in awe when I contemplate the great mystery of salvation. You did not abandon us when we sinned against you. You sent your Son out of love to save us from sin and redeem us. Bring me home and guide me every step of the way.

Encountering the Word of God

1. Jesus’ Purpose: The Pharisees are often presented as Jesus’ foes, but, in today’s Gospel, they try to help him. It is possible, however, that the Pharisees were only doing this hypocritically. They figured that they could get rid of Jesus by threatening him with news about Herod “the fox.” And maybe that is why Jesus tells them to go back to Herod. But Jesus doesn’t give up on the Pharisees. He offers them an insight into his identity, mission, and destiny. Jesus refers to the signs he has been performing. The healings and exorcisms are all signs that he is the Christ promised by the prophets and that the age of salvation has begun. Jesus also alludes to his destiny. He will be killed as a prophet in Jerusalem and, “on the third day,” accomplish his purpose. We, as Christians, know that the third day is the day of Jesus’ resurrection. His purpose is our salvation, redemption, sanctification, and glorification. 

2. Your House will be Abandoned: Jesus is on the way to Jerusalem and contemplates the history and destiny of the holy city. As regards its history, Jerusalem has refused to listen to the prophets God sent. God sent the great prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah to bring the city back to him, but the people refused to listen. Jeremiah especially prophesied the fall of Jerusalem. The prophet Ezekiel saw the Spirit of the Lord abandon the Temple and dwell among the people in exile. All three prophets, however, foretold in different ways the restoration of the people of God, the establishment of a New Covenant, and the coming of the Lord and his Kingdom. The old Jerusalem will be abandoned, and the old covenant will come to an end. The New Jerusalem and the New Covenant will be inaugurated and established through Jesus. It is best to see this transition as a bringing to fulfillment rather than a replacement. Yes, the old house of God in Jerusalem “made with human hands” will be destroyed, but the new House of God, not made with hands, will be established. The Church is the seed and beginning of this new House of God! And we are members of this household and living stones in this new Temple.

3. The Love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord: In the First Reading, Paul has been arguing that  God is a loving Father who is on the side of his children. “Believers cannot reasonably doubt his love or commitment, given what he has already done for them through the joint ministries of the Son and the Spirit. And since no creature is his equal and no worldly power can thwart his purposes, it follows that no one and nothing arrayed against us can hope to rob us of our inheritance in Christ” (Hahn and Mitch, Romans, 144). Abraham did not spare his son Isaac, and God the Father did not spare his only begotten Son. In this way, Abraham in the Old Testament foreshadows the actions of the Father in the New Covenant. Just as Abraham held nothing back, so also God the Father held nothing back to achieve our salvation. God is the one who justifies us and sent his Son to die for us, be raised for us, and rule and intercede at his right hand for us. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ.

Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, you willingly offered yourself as a sacrificial victim to save us from sin and death. You love us and have welcomed us into your divine family as your brothers and sisters. Teach me to be a docile child in the Father’s house.

Living the Word of God: How can I imitate the Father’s love and care for those in need around me? How can I imitate the Son’s love and give and offer myself today? How can I imitate the Spirit’s love and encourage those in my care to grow in holiness?