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 I 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 those who are sent to you! 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!”
Reflection
The prophetic message of Jesus.
How open are we to receiving feedback? How do we respond when people tell us about something we have done wrong or need to improve? It may be quite a challenge for some to receive it, while others may be open enough. There might be discomfort in receiving it. In today’s Gospel, we hear about how the civil and religious leaders responded to the prophetic message of Jesus. Jesus was against the unjust and violent social systems of the Romans. This is what he criticizes, as they are contrary to the Kingdom he preaches. Later, we learn how this turned out. Jesus was
sentenced to death for such a prophetic stance against Roman domination. The opposition to Jesus brought him to an unjust and violent death on the cross. It may be good to ask how we respond
to feedback or criticism given to us. Do we respond with violent confrontation and malicious talk against those who have given us feedback, or do we respond with humility and openness, asking
ourselves what we have been told?
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