Thoughts on Today’s Lessons for Feb. 21, 2016
Christ Lamenting over Jerusalem 1846 Sir Charles Lock Eastlake 1793-1865 Presented by Robert Vernon 1847
Today’s readings speak to us of hope in God, even in times of darkness. In our first reading, Abram is worried because he and his wife Sarai remain childless in old age. Will they have to adopt a slave child to receive the inheritance that God has promised? But God guides Abram through a dark and terrifying night and, in the new day, assures him that he and Sarai – who we will know as Abraham and Sarah – will begin a family that will inherit the promised land; a family as countless as the stars.
As we listen to this Psalm, notice its pattern of trust, hope and petition. First it simply declares our trust in God, our light and salvation, whose strength is so great that nothing can stand against it to make us afraid. But then it takes a darker turn as we hear an earthly king – King David, according to tradition – imagining frightening possibilities, from flesh-eating evildoers to camps full of enemy warriors. Yes, terrible things might threaten us, but the Psalm carries on, trusting God, calling on God to have mercy and keep us safe.
Second Reading: Philippians 3:17-4:1
Is Paul telling the Philippians to imitate him, as though he were a stand-in for Christ? Not at all. Rather, hear in these verses a pastor reassuring a congregation that has endured much to embrace the Christian way, and now fears persecution. ‘Do as I do,” he suggests, calling them to follow his example and try to live in Jesus’ way, anticipating salvation through Christ.
Gospel: Luke 13:31-35
As we move into Lent, Jesus has turned his face fully toward Jerusalem, the Passion and the Cross. King Herod is angry, and Jesus’ life is in danger. Even some Pharisees, who often argue and scorn Jesus, seem concerned and warn him to protect himself. But Jesus – perhaps echoing his responses to the tempter in the desert in last week’s Gospel – won’t alter his chosen course, even if it will lead to death in the “city that kills the prophets.” Jerusalem may threaten his life, yet he speaks his love for the city in the nurturing, motherly image of a hen and her chicks.