Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s readings help remind us that we are “loved sinners” through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
In the gospel reading, Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem knowing that this is where He will die and on the third day rise to “accomplish my purpose.” He has deep compassion for the people and describes his love like a hen “gathering her brood under her wings.” He is resolute to continue on this journey to Jerusalem, since He knows this is where He will demonstrate the fullness of God’s love and mercy.
The first reading from Romans tells us that “It is Jesus Christ who died, rather was raised, who also is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us.” There is nothing- death, life, angels, principalities, present things, future things, powers, height, depth or any other creature that can separate us from this love of God.
As Christians, we believe that Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection (The Paschal Mystery) is the source of our redemption, but do we recognize the great love that He demonstrates by humbly picking up his cross despite the pain and suffering? Jesus wants us to know that whatever happens, He is there with us and He loves us in the midst of it all. When we act from a place where we believe in this deep love of God, then we can share this love with others, since we know we are all connected as the Body of Christ.
To know this deep love of God we are called to open our hearts so we can deepen our relationship with God through prayer, sacrament, scripture and the world around us. Today, spend some time reflecting on the amazing love of God that you have experienced in your life. Thank God for this gift, and ask for the grace to better recognize God’s love and presence in the future.
—Marylynn Herchilne