Daily Gospel Reflection for October 27, 2022

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Reflection by Colleen Rooney

Today's Gospel: Luke 13:31-35

What did the Pharisees really intend when they warned Jesus to leave the area? Was the warning intended to spare Jesus from Herod’s alleged intention to kill Him? Although we know during our Lord’s Passion Pilate sent Jesus to Herod (Luke 23:8 -11), Herod did not attempt to kill him. The Pharisees misread what Herod wanted. He wanted to see Jesus perform miracles like a magician. We know Jesus gave Herod no satisfaction.

Our Lord tells the Pharisees that He must continue to Jerusalem to complete the mission that He was sent for, our redemption. It is impossible that a prophet would die outside of Jerusalem. But then there is the very poignant cry of our Lord as He looks upon Jerusalem, the kingly city of the chosen people. I do not know anywhere else in scripture where Christ utters cries with so much heartbrokenness over His beloved people. His cries echo the heartbreak of a mother over her wayward and ungrateful children as she experiences their rejection after having lavished so much love on them. One might despair at this point if it were not for our Lord’s last line.

“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.”

Despite the darkness and rejection by many, Christ holds out hope. Hope for the future, that these wayward children will return blessing Him. How many of us have cried tears over wayward children, broken relationships, lost friendships only to hear these words of Christ giving us hope?

Ponder:

When I am faced with those I love rejecting Christ, do I turn to Him in prayer and hopefulness? Do I dare to trust their salvation to Him?

Pray:

Lord, give me the grace to hope and trust in Your mercy and transforming power.

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Dare to hope in Christ! #dailygospel

Copyright 2022 Colleen Rooney

Colleen Rooney is a wife, mother, and grandmother. She is the author of Celebrating Advent and Christmas with Children and blogs at foodsandfestivitiesofthechristianyear.blogspot.com and celebratecatholiclife.com.