SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT MARCH 16, 2025

Prayer of the Day
God of the covenant, in the mystery of the cross you promise everlasting life to the world. Gather all peoples into your arms, and shelter us with your mercy, that we may rejoice in the life we share in your Son, Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.

Luke 13:31-35
31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to [Jesus], “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” 32 He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me, ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 33 Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ 34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35 See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’ ”

A Brief Reflection:
Herod (that fox) was Jewish. He also was loyal to the empire that put him on his little throne (Rome). Herod is known for his murderous rampage of children because he thought one would grow up and take his throne.

Shortly before the Pharisees warn Jesus that Herod’s gunning for him, the empire that installed Herod into office had recently killed Judeans and mingled their blood with the sacrificial rites of the cult of Caesar.

The mention of Pharisees matters. While others including many of the Saducees collaborated with Rome for both safety and financial gain, the Pharisees resisted and held fast to their religious and ethnic identity.

And Jesus chooses to focus on his life’s work of healing and opposing life depriving life degrading forces of evil. Death threats don’t stop Jesus. What’s more even though his heart’s desire is to embrace and protect his beloved city and its people it looks as though they reject him. And Jesus chooses to carry on his life’s work and even at the cost of his own life. And Luke tells us another “third day” is coming. Resurrection Day assures us that not even death stops God from the divine impulse to bless and save the world.

A few questions to think about: What is the nature and scope of Jesus’ work today? What is the church called to be and do as part of Jesus’ work—today? In what ways is the church (throughout the world) responding to that call?