Jesus had a special love for Jerusalem.

Jesus longs to shelter the children of Israel like a mother hen does for her brood.

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊

Ephesians 6:10-20

 Finally, be strong in the Lord

With his energy and strength.  Put on the whole armor of God to be able to resist the cunning of the devil.   Our battle is not against human forces but against the rulers and authorities and their dark powers that govern this world. We are struggling against the spirits and supernatural forces of evil.

 Therefore put on the whole armor of God, that in the evil day, you may resist and stand your ground, making use of all your wea­pons.   Take truth as your belt, justice as your breastplate,   and zeal as your shoes to propagate the Gospel of peace.

 Always hold in your hand the shield of faith to repel the flaming arrows of the devil.   Final­ly, use the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, that is, the Word of God.

Pray at all times as the Spirit in­spires you. Keep watch, together with sustained prayer and supplication for all the holy ones.  Pray also for me, so that when I speak, I may be given words to proclaim bravely the mystery of the Gospel.  Even when in chains I am an ambassador of God; may he give me the strength to speak as I should.

 

＊＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊＊  

Luke 13:31-35 

At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and gave him this warning, “Leave this place and go on your way, for Herod wants to kill you.” Je­sus said to them, “Go and give that fox my answer: ‘I drive out demons and heal today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my course!’ 

Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and for a little longer, for it would not be fitting for a prophet to be killed outside Jerusalem.

 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you slay the prophets and stone your apostles! How often have I tried to bring together your children, as a bird gathers her young under her wings, but you refused! From now on you will be left with your temple and you will no longer see me until the time when you will say: Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.”

 

 Gospel Reflection：

Prophetic Courage of Christ

Jesus refuses to cow down to the threats from Herod, for he is totally centered on his Father and the mission given to him. And he knows that no one can harm him until the “hour” comes.

Such confidence comes from an absolute and radical trust in his Father’s love and submission to His will. Paul invites us to face the challenges and dangers around us by putting on God’s armor: of truth, justice, zeal, faith, salvation, and the word of God. In other words, Paul’s invitation is to “put on Christ” (Rom 13:14)and “have the mind of Christ” (Phil 2:5) which ensures that we live and respond to the challenges like he did.

We can only receive such armor as God’s Grace; we cannot manufacture it on our own. Hence, “pray at all times” to receive Christ’s Spirit. It is in prayer that we grow into the image and likeness of Christ.