The gospel for Thursday of the 30th week in Ordinary Time is taken from Luke 13:31. 35. 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.

Yes, I must continue on my way today, tomorrow and the following day. For it is impossible that a prophet should die outside of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you. How many times I yearn to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings. But you are unwilling. Behold, your house will be abandoned.

But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. The Pharisees come to warn Jesus that the work he is engaged in might be destroyed by Herod. But Jesus makes clear that his work is being accomplished. The purpose he came for will be accomplished. But then he reminds the Pharisees of their greatest weakness, their greatest sin. How many times they had rejected the work of God, trying to open their hearts to his love and his care.

This is the greatest sin of the Pharisees because it kept them always from the kingdom of God. Please ponder these images and then I will close with a prayer. Closing prayer. Father, always it’s clear that your greatest gift to us is something that we have to not work for, but have to receive generously. Allow the work that he has done for us to take root in us that we can build his kingdom. Keep us free from the pride, keep us free from the sin of the Pharisees who simply would not allow God to be God.

And we ask this in Jesus name. Amen.