Second Sunday in Lent

Second Sunday in Lent March 16, 2025

                                            

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.'" Luke 13:31-35

The heart of our God is always compassion and care. We humans have fickle hearts, running to one and then to another, with no care or consideration. We hear Jesus seeing himself in the maternal role, aching to gather us and protects us, as we run away in pursuit of passing fancies. God's love is constant, unfailing and always offered. Jesus aches for us, weeps for us and for Jerusalems everywhere, that say and pray one thing and do another. May we, in this season of Lent, return to the loving arms of our Creator, listening to the heartbeat and learning compassion again.

A Litany for the Second Sunday of Lent

Loving Creator, you brought us to life

you shelter and protect us from storms

and gather us in when we run far away.

Lord Jesus, be our shelter in the storms of life.

We love to wander aimlessly and stray

far from the safety of your tender embrace

because we think we know better than you.

Lord Jesus, be our shelter in the storms of life.

We are foolish humans prone to stumbling

and you are always loving and tender

make our hearts again like yours today.

Lord Jesus, be our shelter in the storms of life.

Our land and our world are full of troubles

you are our source and our very home.

Lord Jesus, be our shelter in the storms of life.

The storms have overtaken many of us

yet you promise to guide our feet home again.

Lord Jesus, be our shelter in the storms of life.

Help us to turn our hearts to you today

and make your love and tenderness our only guide.

Lord Jesus, be our shelter in the storms of life. Amen.