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Luke 13:31-35

The Lament over Jerusalem

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.’ ”

No slacking for Jesus

Even with the end in sight

he took no prisoners

refused to divert his course

but ploughed on

delivering, healing

accomplishing

all that he came to do

before setting his face toward Jerusalem

the city that lay in wait

to dispatch him

as it dispatched others .

And, even though he had a notion

of the fate that awaited him there

Jesus was moved with compassion

over a city

and a people

who had lost their way.

Compassion that saw beyond his own dire straits

to go on caring for others.

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord