Year C February 28 Luke 13:31-35

2nd Sunday in Lent

"I say to you, that you shall not see me until that tie comes when you say "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" 13:35

Context:
"And he went through the cities and villages, teaching and journeying towards Jerusalem." (13:22) This introductory phrase prefaces a series of story units as Jesus heads towards is fate in Jerusalem.

As this section begins the dialogue focuses on the narrow way, and then moves towards identifying Herod as the one seeking Jesus death. Ironically that warning comes from the mouth of some Pharisees. With Jesus' death introduced as the subject there comes a reference to the 'third day' (32) and a lament over Jerusalem and then a prediction links directly with Luke 19:38 and Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.

After the text for this day we find parables of judgment and grace as Jesus moves toward his fate. Along the way the conflict with Jewish leaders intensifies. The contract between their rule and Jesus teaching is highlighted through the use of parables and Jesus' gracious encounters with ten lepers, a rich ruler and Zaccheus.

Comment:
Being in a position of authority is never easy when hard decisions are to be faced. In this instance it was not his fate that was concerning Jesus, but the fate of Jerusalem.

In leadership choices need to be made. Many decisions impact directly on people - whether for good or for ill. Seeking to walk Jesus way means that we are concerned about the effect of our decisions on all people, and have a special interest in the vulnerable.

Jesus lament over Jerusalem was not for the metropolis as a collection of streets and structures, but for the people who lived there. It was the seat of their cultic worship. The temple was there, and all the great festivals of the Jewish nation were held in the city. It was (and is) a place of national significance.

The image of Jesus a 'mother hen' reflects a concern for the city that "kills the prophets and those who are sent to her." (34) Those of the city were unwilling to come under the protection and embrace of the "mother hen". In 19:41-43 we find another lament over the city that did not know "the things that make for [...] peace!" (v.42).

The wisdom of elders, the knowledge of scribes, and the Pharisees legalism did not combine to effect wise decisions. Self interest and shortsightedness contributed to decisions that took Jesus to the cross, and later brought the destruction of Jerusalem.

We do not have Jesus heading towards our city today. We are not faced with decisions about what to do with him. We are faced with daily decisions about our fellow human beings, those who share our streets, share our cities and share our world. Sadly all our wisdom and knowledge and law still seem unable to move us beyond self-interest. Whether at a personal or national level the over-riding issue is 'what is in it for me/us'?

While we focus on ourselves there are those among us that go without housing, homes and hope. While we focus on ourselves families are torn apart and communities are increasingly fractured. While we focus on our philosophy and way of life communities are being destroyed and countries decimated.

The best efforts of well meaning organisations and peace loving nations cannot restore peace and wholeness. Instead they are swamped with hordes of people living in comfort that they seek to protect, or an ethos they will not examine.

If only eyes were opened to the things the make for peace.


Other Readings:

Genesis 15:1-12,17-18
Ps 27
Phil 3:17-4:1