‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of filth. So you also on the outside look righteous to others, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness. ‘Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the graves of the righteous, and you say, “If we had lived in the days of our ancestors, we would not have taken part with them in shedding the blood of the prophets.” Thus you testify against yourselves that you are descendants of those who murdered the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your ancestors. You snakes, you brood of vipers! How can you escape being sentenced to hell? Therefore I send you prophets, sages, and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and pursue from town to town, so that upon you may come all the righteous blood shed on earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar. Truly I tell you, all this will come upon this generation. ‘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, desolate. For I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” ’ Matthew 23:27-39
When my children were young, I ached for a little space, often just to do something as simple as use the bathroom. Now, I ache to see them, hold them and pull them close. They are all grown, on their own, and I miss them each and every moment. Jesus is speaking harshly to those who had some power and authority, telling them how they negligence and cruelty has damaged and destroyed the innocent. He ached to shield the innocent, the young ones and the vulnerable from the destruction of selfish tyrants.
We parents always want to protect our offspring, even when they are no longer young. Jesus reminds us how easily the abuse of power happens. We are called to be those who protect the vulnerable and serve those who are suffering here.
Wondrous Creator, who instills in us loving care
you make us able to protect and defend the vulnerable
and show us how to make a place for all peoples.
leaders often give in to their power and their influence
ignoring and abusing those they were sent to serve
and relishing the limelight more than mercy and justice.
Make us your servants again, dear Lord Jesus Christ
that we might bring comfort and solace to those in pain
and fight against tyrants, so that your love alone might reign. Amen.
