Gospel
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. Yet 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 yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were 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.”
Sermon
My brothers and sisters in Christ, in today's passage, Jesus faces opposition from Herod and the Pharisees, yet remains resolute in His mission. Let's explore Jesus' unwavering commitment and His love for Jerusalem.
Key Principles:
1. Unwavering Commitment (v. 32)
Jesus continues His mission despite threats.
2. Love for Jerusalem (vv. 33-34)
Jesus yearns to gather and protect Jerusalem's children.
3. Rejection and Abandonment (v. 35)
Jerusalem's refusal leads to spiritual abandonment.
Implications for Us:
1. Stand Firm in Faith
Commit to God's will despite opposition.
2. Show Compassion
Demonstrate Jesus' love to those around us.
3. Recognize Spiritual Opportunities
Seize chances to share God's love.
Conclusion:
Jesus' unwavering mission reminds us to stand firm, show compassion and recognize spiritual opportunities.
Reflection Questions:
1. Are you committed to God's will despite challenges?
2. How can you demonstrate Jesus' love?
3. What spiritual opportunities can you seize?
Lord Jesus, grant us unwavering commitment and compassion. Help us recognize spiritual opportunities. Amen.
Action Steps:
1. Study biblical teachings on perseverance (Matthew 10:22, Romans 8:35-39).
2. Engage in acts of service and love.
3. Share God's love with others.
Additional Resources:
1. Explore Jesus' teachings on love and compassion (Matthew 22:37-40, Luke 10:25-37).
2. Reflect on biblical examples of faithfulness (Hebrews 11).
Key Verses
1. "I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day." (Luke 13:33)
2. "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you." (Luke 13:34)
Prayer
Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty, merciful, and loving God, grant us unwavering commitment to Your will, despite opposition and challenges. Fill our hearts with Jesus' love, that we may demonstrate compassion to those around us. Help us recognize spiritual opportunities, to share Your love and truth with others.
In Jesus’ most holy name. Amen
Key Prayer Points:
1. Unwavering commitment
2. Compassion and love
3. Spiritual opportunities
4. Overcoming fear and opposition
5. Embracing God's will
Action Steps:
1. Study biblical teachings on perseverance (Matthew 10:22, Romans 8:35-39)
2. Engage in acts of service and love
3. Share God's love with others
Additional Prayers:
Prayer of Commitment
Dear Heavenly Father, I commit myself to You. Help me walk in obedience to Your Word. Grant me strength to follow Your path. May my heart be transformed by Your love.
Guide me in:
1. Seeking Your will
2. Trusting Your sovereignty
3. Resisting temptation
4. Serving others
5. Growing in faith
Prayer of Compassion
Dear Heavenly Father, grant me a heart of compassion, Fill me with empathy and kindness. Help me see others through Your eyes, and love them as You love them. May Your love overflow from my heart, to those suffering, hurting or lost. Guide me to comfort the grieving, support the struggling, and uplift the fallen. Use me as a vessel of Your love, bringing hope and healing to those around me.
In Jesus' most holy name, Amen.
Additional Prayer Points:
1. Compassion for the hurting
2. Empathy for the struggling
3. Kindness for the lonely
4. Love for the marginalized
5. Mercy for the broken
Action Steps
1. Volunteer at local charities
2. Listen to those in need
3. Offer words of encouragement
4. Pray for others
5. Show kindness to strangers
Reflection Questions
1. Who needs compassion today?
2. How can I demonstrate kindness?
3. What breaks Your heart, Lord?
Key Bible Verses
1. "Love your neighbor as yourself." (Mark 12:31)
2. "Be kind and compassionate to one another." (Ephesians 4:32)
Reflection Questions:
1. Are you committed to God's will despite challenges?
2. How can you demonstrate Jesus' love?
3. What spiritual opportunities can you seize?
Key Bible Verses
"I must continue on my way today, tomorrow, and the following day." (Luke 13:33)
"Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you." (Luke 13:34)
May these prayers guide you in embracing Jesus' unwavering mission.
+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,
Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ