"How often would I have gathered your children together!"

Happy Halloween 

Scripture: Luke 13:31-35 - At that very hour some Pharisees came, and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." And he said to them, "Go and tell that fox, `Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I finish my course. Nevertheless I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the day following; for it cannot be that a prophet should perish away from Jerusalem.' O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, killing the prophets and stoning those who are sent to you! How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not! Behold, your house is forsaken. And I tell you, you will not see me until you say, `Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'"

Meditation: When your security is threatened and danger strikes do you flee or stand your ground? When King Herod, the ruler of Galilee, heard that thousands of people were coming to Jesus, he decided it was time to eliminate this threat to his influence and power. That is why some of the Pharisees warned Jesus to flee from the wrath of Herod. Jesus, in turn, warned them that they were in greater spiritual danger of losing both soul and body if they refused to listen to God and to his messengers the prophets. Like John the Baptist and all the prophets who preceded him, Jesus posed a threat to the ruling authorities of his day.

Jesus went so far as to call Herod a fox. What did he mean by such an expression? The fox was regarded as the slyest of all animals and one of the most destructive as well. Any farmer will tell you how difficult it is to get rid of foxes who under the cover of night steal and destroy. The fox became a symbol of what was worthless,  insignificant, and destructive. It takes great courage to stand up and openly oppose a tyrant. Jesus knew that he would suffer the same fate as the prophets who came before him. He not only willingly exposed himself to such danger, but he prayed for his persecutors and for those who rejected the prophets who spoke in God's name. Do you pray for your enemies and for those who oppose the gospel today?

Jesus contrasts his desire for Jerusalem – the holy city and temple of God – with Jerusalem's lack of desire for him as their long-expected Messiah. Jesus compares his longing for Jerusalem with a mother hen gathering her chicks under her protective wings. Psalm 91 speaks of God's protection in such terms: He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge (Psalm 91:4). Jesus willingly set his face toward Jerusalem, knowing that he would meet certain betrayal, rejection, and death on a cross. His death on the cross, however, brought about victory and salvation, not only for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, but for all – both Jew and Gentile – who would accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior. Jesus' prophecy is a two-edged sword, pointing to his victory over sin and death and foretelling the destruction of Jerusalem and the dire consequences for all who would reject him and his saving message. While the destruction of Jerusalem's temple was determined – it was razed by the Romans in 70 A.D. – there remained for its inhabitants a narrow open door leading to deliverance. Jesus says: I am the door; whoever enters by me will be saved (John 10:9). The Lord Jesus opens the way for each of us to have direct access to God who adopts us as his children and who makes his home with us.

 

Refection question: Do you make room for the Lord in your life?

 

The Lord is knocking at the door of your heart (Revelations 3:20) and he wishes to enter into a close personal relationship with you. Receive him who is the giver of expectant faith, unwavering hope, and undying love. And long for the true home which God has prepared for you in his heavenly city, Jerusalem (Revelations 21:2-4).

Prayer: "Lord Jesus, I place all my trust and hope in you. Come make your home with me and take possession of my heart and will that I may wholly desire what is pleasing to you. Fill my heart with love and mercy for others that I may boldly witness to the truth and joy of the gospel through word and example, both to those who accept it and to those who oppose it." Amen.

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News:

Sister Marcy reports today 10/31/13 that no change in Sister Ann's condition, she is resting quietly, her blood pressure is very low.  

Let us keep our dear Annie close to our hearts in prayer. May she soon be enjoying the heavenly kingdom with all God, Francis and Clare,  her sisters, family, artists and all those people she ministered to in the classroom, TAU House, Jackson Square, Lazarus, Samaritan Ministries and the Journey Retreats.

I recall a funny memory during my time in New Orleans when a person was visiting a friend at Lazarus who was dying, he said to his friend, "when you see the light, run towards it" and we say the same to Annie.

 

 

The Tau House Memorial Garden The Tau House Memorial Garden will be transferred to the Poor Clare Monastery at Henry Clay & Magazine Streets, New Orleans, LA. Many thanks to Billy Edwards, Patrick Nunez, Chris and Kevin Callaghan for making that happen.

December 15-17 the garden will be arranged by Ted Genebacher of Quincy IL. Ted and his wife Sarah have been friends of the Poor Clare Nuns for about 4 years. They come down from Quincy, IL each Advent to help the nuns with the gardens, cooking, and Christmas decorating etc. Ted and Sarah own and operate Frese Ornamental Nursery in Quincy, IL, awesome people, salt of the earth. Ted is known for his garden arrangements.

 

Prayer Intentions:

Sister Ann Roddy, SSND

The Poor

For Vocations

For Father Johnpaul, OFM and his family

For first responders

For farmers during this harvest season

For members of the TAU House communities

Have a great day!

Peace and all good,
Brother Ed, OFM

PS: Please send me photos and refection's from your community meetings.