Greetings on this the Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: EPH 6:10-20; PS 144:1B, 2, 9-10; LK 13:31-35
Summary
If this day you only knew what makes for peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes (LK 19:42).
Reflection
What do we rely upon for peace? The Military-Industrial Complex (President Eisenhower).
But now we can no longer risk emergency improvisation of national defense; we have been compelled to create a permanent armaments industry of vast proportions. . . . This conjunction of an immense military establishment and a large arms industry is new in the American experience. . . .Yet we must not fail to comprehend its grave implications. . . . In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.
See reference of actual farewell speech of the retiring General Eisenhower, 34th President of these United States. https://www.archives.gov/milestone-documents/president-dwight-d-eisenhowers-farewell-address
Jesus wants us to rely upon the protective and maternal instincts of a hen.
Jesus wishes to gather us together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but we are unwilling! This is our true peace. The promise of Heaven and the call to be just are the products of faith and reliance upon the Lord. How very different our view of security and the security of the Presence of the Lord.
Jesus chose the image of a hen gathering chicks rather than institutional power as an image of a loving God. Preserving peace and Projection of will are the two impulses in conflict with each other. Consider his reaction to King Herod. Some Pharisees came to Jesus and said, “Go away, leave this area because Herod wants to kill you.” He replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and I perform healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I accomplish my purpose (LK 13:31-33).
Sacred Readings
Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/103124.cfm
First Reading
Brothers and sisters: Draw your strength from the Lord and from his mighty power. Put on the armor of God so that you may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the Devil.
Responsorial
Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!
Gospel Acclamation (See LK 19:38; 2:14)
Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.
Gospel
How many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling!
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry