Summary

In this homily, Grace Community Missioner Ed Carrette explores Jesus' metaphor of God as a mother hen gathering her brood under her wings, contrasting this image of vulnerable protection with the predatory "fox" of Herod. Through examining the difference between contracts and covenants, Ed reminds us that our relationship with God is not merely legal but all-encompassing, calling us to embrace vulnerability and sacrificial love as we follow Christ's example during this Lenten season.

THE GOSPEL                                                                                                                                              Luke 13:31-35

Some Pharisees came and said to Jesus, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." 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. 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.' 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! 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.'"

Artwork: Jesus Reproves Herod, an etching by Jan Luyken (16 April 1649 – 5 April 1712)