An unjust and violent death on the cross. 

We deserved conviction for all of our sins at the hands of a holy and just God,

but Jesus took our place, allowing the Jewish and Roman leaders to unjustly execute Him

because there was no other way to satisfy the Father’s wrath against us.

 

＊＊＊ 1st Reading ＊＊＊    

Ephesians 6:10-20

Finally,

Be strong in the Lord, with his energy and strength. Put on the whole armor of God,

to be able to resist the cunning of the devil. Our battle is not against human forces,

but against the rulers and authorities and their dark powers that govern this world.

We are struggling against the spirits and supernatural forces of evil.

Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, that in the evil day you may resist and stand your ground,

making use of all your weapons. Take truth as your belt, justice as your breastplate,

and zeal as your shoes, to propagate the gospel of peace.

 

Always hold in your hand the shield of faith to repel the flaming arrows of the devil.

Finally, use the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, that is, the word of God.

Pray at all times as the Spirit inspires you. Keep watch together with sustained prayer

and supplication for all the holy ones. Pray also for me so that when I speak,

I may be given words to proclaim bravely the mystery of the gospel.

Even when in chains, I am an ambassador of God;

may he give me the strength to speak as I should.

 

Ps: 144:16, 2, 9-10

Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

 

＊＊＊ Gospel ＊＊＊      

 Luke 13:31-35

At that time some Pharisees came to Jesus and gave him this warning,

"Leave this place and go on your way, for Herod wants to kill you."

Jesus said to them, "Go and give that fox my answer: 'I drive out demons and

I heal today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my course!' Nevertheless,

I must go on my way today and tomorrow and for a little longer;

 

for it would not be fitting for a prophet to be killed outside Jerusalem.

O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you slay the prophets and stone those who are sent to you!

How often have I tried to bring together your children,

as a bird gathers her young under her wings.But you refused! From now on,

you will be left with your temple. And you will no longer see me

until the time when you say,"Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord."

 

Gospel Reflection ：

The prophetic message of Jesus.

How open are we to receiving feedback? How do we respond when people tell us

about something we have done wrong or need to improve? It may be quite a challenge

for some to receive it, while others may be open enough. There might be discomfort in receiving it.

In today's Gospel, we hear about how the civil and religious leaders responded

to the prophetic message of Jesus. Jesus was against the unjust and violent social systems of the Romans.

This is what he criticizes, as they are contrary to the Kingdom he preaches.

 

Later, we learn how this turned out. Jesus was sentenced to death for such

a prophetic stance against Roman domination. The opposition to Jesus brought him to

an unjust and violent death on the cross. It may be good to ask how we respond to feedback

or criticism given to us. Do we respond with violent confrontation and malicious talk

against those who have given us feedback, or do we respond with humility

and openness, asking ourselves what we have been told?