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Gathering One’s Brood

– Thursday 30th Week in Ordinary Time –

How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!”  [Luke 13:34]

As a father of two boys, I am often astounded and somewhat confused at the same time how they choose to go their own way or to do something completely different on impulse, despite knowing the usual routine way or the “tried-and-tested” way taught to them. Despite their choices; good or bad, as a parent I want to give them freedom but at the same time protect them from anything that could hurt them.  

In this passage, Jesus expresses his deep love for his people even though they will shortly turn against him and execute him. They are blind to what he is offering and ignorant to what is happening. The image that Jesus uses is one of a hen gathering and protecting its offspring from harm. Like a good parent, God gives us the free will to choose but God is always with us, ready to welcome us into His loving arms. 

God cares for all, but even so, each of us is uniquely precious to Him. We can also be comforted by the fact that Christ can identify with our experiences no matter what we go through in life. Today, let’s be mindful of the presence of our Heavenly parent who guides us and always wants the best for us. 

 

by Arnie Hurdoyal


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