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. . . As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord . . . Joshua 25:15b
Lent 2 Yr C
Introduction
Introduction
This Sunday's gospel is a cryptic, prophetic message from Jesus. However, he uses wonderful imagery to let us know how much he loves (and will protect us). Jesus compares himself to a hen gathering her chicks under her wings. We all can see how protective a mother hen is in this video clip (or even how proud and caring is Mother Ginger in Nutcracker), so it's easy to visualize what Jesus says: he wants to gather us under his care.
So, what's standing in the way? You know it: it's us. We have to be willing to be gathered. Interesting that it is our "free will" that stands between us and the Savior's protection. So that is our challenge—to examine the things that block our path to Jesus. One thing is "fear", as depicted in the lesson from Genesis. In that lesson, it is fear that holds Abram back, and God comforts him as he blesses him.
Another barrier keeping us from Jesus' protection is "earthly things" as Paul sets forth in Philippians. And the psalmist helps to keep our focus. We are to put aside our fear and strive for the earthly prize.
Comments welcome.
Luke 13:31-35
Luke 13:31-35
. . . He [Jesus] said to them, “. . . 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.'”
sermons4kids: “Jesus still loves his children today. He still wants to gather them in his arms and protect them and care for them. Sometimes, we stray away, but Jesus still loves us just the same. That’s the kind of love he has for you and me.”
Scripture: March 16, 2025—Genesis 15:1-12,17-18 (image); Psalm 27 (image); Philippians 3:17-4:1 (image); and Luke 13:31-35 (image).
Collect: 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.
Reflection: In Luke 13:35, Jesus says, “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.’” To what sort of “seeing” does Jesus refer? Is Jesus calling for more than a verbal declaration that he is the Messiah? How might I live so that I become a testimony that Jesus is truly the one who comes in the name of God?
(excerpted from Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year C, Volume 1 © 2014 Westminster John Knox Press)
A video/audio journey through the scripture. [Thank you, Stephen, for reading.]
Images enhancing
the scripture
“Jerusalem” (2018) by Fleisheker
“Song to Jerusalem“, contemporary by Baruch Nachson
“Endless Road” (1971) by Margret Hofheinz-Doring
Music founded
in the scripture
“The Lord is my light and my salvation“, gospel
and by Marty Haugen
and by John Rutter
"Why?" by Tracy Chapman
Other voices
about the scripture
“A time to weep” by Bob Cornwall
“Loving like a mother hen” by Danáe M. Ashley
"A question of focus" by Rev Richard J Fairchild [you have to scroll down to the "sermon", being sure you pause at the "children's sermon"]
Movies representing some part of the scripture
“My left foot” (1989, R), biopic of Christy Brown, Review
“Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace” (1999, PG), does Qui Gon Jinn recognize Anakin, “The struggles between good and evil run a zigzag course, and we never know where or when they will erupt”, Obi Wan leaves in body but remains in spirit, is Anakin the Moses figure?, “Shmi Skywalker is the strong supportive mother”, Review 1, Review 2, Review 3
For families: Study guide and activities (another guide); group activities; snacks.
For children: See family guide/activity above (another activity); bulletin; craft;
For middlers: See family guide/activity above (another activity); bulletin; craft.
Coloring pages: Psalm 27; hen; Genesis
For youth: Video for “Is it okay to be angry at God?” This is a serious and important question to ponder. If you examine the stories in the Bible, you will find that many of the principal characters do get angry with God; most subsequently repent. Most importantly, God does not turn away from them! Your thoughts?
Today the liturgy gives us the account of the covenant between God and the first person of faith: Abraham. There are two parts to this covenant: God’s promise and Abraham’s faith. Abraham’s faith becomes the model for us who have been brought into covenant with God in baptism.
The Gospel reading today tells of Jesus being warned that he is in danger of being killed. He responds by again foretelling his own death and resurrection, the three days in which he will complete his work. Jesus then laments his rejection by the leaders in Jerusalem because he wishes fervently that no one be lost and that he may gather everyone to himself.
The second reading today is concerned with contrasting those who do not live within the covenant and those who do. It reminds us that the self-denial and fasting of Lent are not ends in themselves and certainly are not meant to imply that pleasure is wrong. They lead us on toward the discovery that true joy and pleasure always come from God and always point us to the resurrection of our earthly life and desires, which is God’s ultimate aim for us.
As we draw nearer to Easter and the renewal of our baptismal commitment, and as we pray for those who will be baptized then, the liturgy of Lent takes us ever deeper into the mystery of our redemption. Faith and repentance are our response to the redemption that began to be worked out in Abraham’s day, was fulfilled in Jesus’ dying and rising, and is renewed in us in baptism and Eucharist.
From The Rite Light: Reflections on the Sunday Readings and Seasons of the Church Year. Copyright © 2007 by Michael W. Merriman. Church Publishing Incorporated, New York.
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