The Gospel
Some Pharisees came and said to Jesus, “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.'”
The Offering
From Donna Madison
Jesus reacts with little concern that Herod wants to kill him. He calls Herod a fox and then instructs them to tell Herod, “Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures, today, tomorrow and on the third day I finish my work.” Is Jesus bragging to Herod or is he announcing his own death and resurrection?
Later in the scripture, Jesus grieves for the children of Israel whom he wants to gather as a hen gathers her children, but who, “were not willing”.