Friday, November 7, 2014

Friday November 7, 2014  

Luke 13:31-35

This passage from Luke’s Gospel is usually read in the Sunday cycle of readings on the Second Sunday of Lent, Year C.  It makes sense in that context as part of our Lenten discipline of following Jesus during the final time of his earthly ministry, into his suffering, death and resurrection.

There are two aspects of this reading which particularly draw my attention.  The first is Jesus’ relationship with the group of Temple authorities called Pharisees.  I have felt for some time that the gospel accounts of Jesus’ association with these religious leaders has at best been misunderstood by the church throughout its history.  There are numerous passages scattered through the four gospel accounts that cast some doubt on the negative rapport we so often hear and understand. This is one of them.  Here there seems to be no animosity between Jesus and the Pharisees.  In fact, just the opposite seems to be the case: “some Pharisees came and said to him [Jesus], ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’” Far from antagonism, we see people who care enough for Jesus to warn him of a plot against his life.  Perhaps we need to re-evaluate, and maybe even re-learn this too-often-depicted strained relationship. 

The other feature which catches my attention is the way Jesus speaks of Jerusalem: “How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings . . .”  In the midst of deepening political intrigue, misunderstanding, and hatred, Jesus speaks in purely pastoral tones.  It is this love which will sustain him.  It is this same love which sustains us.  For that we express deep gratitude.

- Reverend Paul Kett