Homily on Luke 13:31-35 or Jesus and the Fox
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." He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'"
Dear Folks,
In this brief passage, we are given a powerful glimpse into the political climate surrounding Jesus' ministry and the unwavering resolve with which he pursued his divine purpose. Judea in the first century was a land under Roman occupation, ruled in Galilee by Herod Antipas, a man known for his paranoia and ruthlessness, having already imprisoned and executed John the Baptist . The Pharisees, often critical of Jesus, come to him with a warning, seemingly out of concern, yet perhaps also hoping to scare him away from their region .
But Jesus, with a boldness that can only come from divine conviction, dismisses the threat. He calls Herod a "fox," an animal often associated with cunning and destructiveness . This wasn't just a casual insult; it was a clear statement about Herod's character and the nature of his power . Jesus knew Herod's attempts to track him down, just as he had pursued John the Baptist . Yet, Jesus remains unfazed. He declares that he will continue his work of casting out demons and healing the sick, fulfilling his mission day by day .
His words, "today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work," speak of a divine timetable, a purpose set by God that no earthly ruler could derail . This wasn't arrogance, but a profound understanding of his identity and the authority given to him . He knew that his ultimate destination was Jerusalem, the heart of his people, and the place where the ultimate sacrifice would be made .
Then, Jesus turns his attention to Jerusalem, and his tone shifts from defiance to deep sorrow. "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it!" His lament echoes the tragic history of God's messengers being rejected and persecuted by the very people they were sent to save . How often had God, through his prophets, desired to gather them, to protect them, "as a hen gathers her brood under her wings," a beautiful image of tender care and divine protection . But they were unwilling. They chose their own path, a path that led to rejection and ultimately, to the desolation of their house .
This passage reminds us that even in the face of political threats and opposition, God's work continues. Jesus did not shy away from confronting earthly powers, but his authority came from a higher source . His kingdom was not of this world, yet it had profound implications for how he lived and interacted with the world around him . He challenged the established religious and social hierarchies, offering a vision of a kingdom built on love, service, and humility .
Just as Jerusalem rejected Jesus, we too can sometimes be resistant to God's call, to his desire to gather us under his wings. We might be swayed by the powers of this world, by fear or by our own willfulness. But Jesus' unwavering commitment to his mission serves as an example for us. We are called to be courageous in our faith, to continue doing the work of God in our own lives and communities, even when faced with challenges .
Finally, Jesus speaks of a future time when Jerusalem will acknowledge him, saying, "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord." This points to his triumphant return, a day when all will recognize his true authority and kingship . Until that day, we are called to live in the light of his coming, to be faithful witnesses to his love and grace.
Let us take heart from Jesus' example. Let us be bold in our faith, unwavering in our commitment to God's mission, and open to his loving embrace. May we strive to be those who welcome the Lord when he comes, saying with joyful hearts, "Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" Amen.
O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Love,
+Br'er Abbot
