GOD’S MOTHERLY LOVE

“O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were not willing! See! Your house is left to you desolate.” (Lk 13:34)

Today’s Gospel-reading surprises me this morning (although I know it by heart), because of the *female* image our Lord employs to describe Himself, and to reveal the purpose of His salvific ministry to us, throughout history. He has wanted to gather us together as a mother; “as a hen gathers her brood under her wings.” But time and again, throughout history, many of us have not been willing, to be gathered and warmed “under” the wings of One greater than ourselves, so our “house” has been left in self-isolation or “desolate.”

Does God still want to gather us together under His “motherly” wings? Of course. His will for us does not change. How can I let Him do that today, so my “house” is not left desolate? I can take pause and become present to Him, in a bit of heartfelt prayer and contemplation. I can gather my thoughts, to the best of my ability, to focus on Him, and let His “gathering” grace do the rest. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done with me and all of us today, Lord, and thank You for this rainy Friday morning.