In our Gospel reading for today, we witness a deeply personal and emotional moment
in Jesus’ ministry. His words reveal His courage, His sorrow, and His unwavering love
for His people, even in the face of rejection. As we reflect on this passage, let us consider
three key themes: Jesus’ determination, His lament over Jerusalem, and His invitation
to us today.
The Determination of Jesus
The Pharisees warn Jesus that King Herod wants to kill Him. Whether their warning
was out of genuine concern or an attempt to scare Jesus away, we do not know. But
Jesus’ response is striking: He refuses to be intimidated. He calls Herod a “fox”—a
symbol of cunning and deceit—implying that He will not be stopped by earthly rulers.
His mission is clear, and no threat can deter Him. He knows His purpose: to heal, to
restore, and ultimately to give His life for the salvation of the world. Even though suffering
awaits Him, He remains steadfast in fulfilling the Father’s will.
This challenges us to ask: Are we as determined in our walk with Christ? In the face of opposition, trials,
or distractions, do we stay faithful to the work God has called us to do? Jesus teaches us that faithfulness to God is not about avoiding hardship, but about persevering through it with trust in His plan.
The Lament Over Jerusalem
After declaring His resolve, Jesus turns His attention to Jerusalem, the city that kills
prophets. His words are filled with sorrow as He longs to gather the people of the city
as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but they refuse.
Here, we see the tender heart of Jesus. He is not only a determined Savior but also a
grieving one. He deeply loves His people, yet they reject Him time and time again.
Like a mother hen who spreads her wings to protect her chicks, Jesus longs to embrace,
shelter, and protect those who come to Him. But they turn away. This image of
Jesus as a mother hen is profound. It reminds us that God’s love is not distant or
harsh; it is intimate, nurturing, and full of longing. Even when we resist Him, His
heart still aches for us. His lament over Jerusalem is not just about a city long ago—it
is about all of us who refuse His invitation. Are there ways we, too, resist God’s call?
Are we too busy, too distracted, or too stubborn to let Jesus gather us under His
wings? His heart still longs for us, and even when we wander, He never stops calling
us back.
The Invitation to Trust in Jesus
Jesus ends this passage with a striking statement: the people will not see Him again
until they declare, “Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” These words
anticipate His future arrival in Jerusalem, when the crowds will greet Him with palm
branches and shouts of Hosanna—before turning against Him days later.
His words also point to a greater truth: One day, every knee will bow, and every
tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. The question is: Will we recognize Him now,
before it is too late? Will we receive His love and shelter today, or will we wait until
we have no choice? This passage calls us to respond to Jesus’ invitation. He is still
longing to gather His people. He is still calling us to draw near to Him, to take refuge
in His love, and to trust Him fully. The choice is ours: Will we be willing, or will we
turn away?
Conclusion: A Love That Does Not Give Up
This passage reveals the courage, the sorrow, and the relentless love of Christ. He faces
danger with resolve, grieves for those who reject Him, and still offers an invitation
to come under His wings.
Today, Jesus stands before us with the same longing heart. He wants to gather us, to
protect us, to heal us. May we not be like Jerusalem, unwilling to receive Him. Instead,
let us run to Him, rest in His presence, and proclaim with joy: “Blessed is He
who comes in the name of the Lord!”
I pose three (3) questions for your consideration this week:
- What distractions or fears keep me from fully trusting in Jesus’ plan for my life?
- How have I seen God’s protective love in my own journey?
- In what ways can I respond to Jesus’ invitation to draw closer to Him today?
May this passage remind us of Christ’s deep love for us and His unwavering desire to
bring us close. Let us not resist His call, but instead, find our refuge under His wings.
†Fr. Pinder
EN 
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