Gathering Her Brood

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 away from 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

I am a mother of three wonderful daughters, all grown and wonderful humans. I wasn't always the best mom when they were growing up, but I do believe they know I would do anything for them. And, I still will. The intense and unending kind of love that a parent has does not stop when they grow, when they leave the nest nor when they are troubled or in trouble. Love, like that that our Creator has for us, is not limited by time and space. We want those we love to thrive, to be well, and to be safe. We live in a time when many are unsafe, unwell and not thriving at all. Jesus understood al too well. May we run to the cover of the One who loves us and be the one that others can run to here.

Precious Savior, mother and father of all

you hide us under you wings and love us

not as we imperfect, troubled humans love

but as the author and provider of all love.

We have let our egos, and our doubts take over

fear runs down like winter rain on our heads

we are angry and abuse the most vulnerable ones

and cry out to you when we feel a slight pain.

Help us to seek you in every place and time

let us have the strength to seek sanctuary with you

help us to turn away from temporary fixes

and instead seek to share your love in our world. Amen