First Reading - Ephesians 6:10-20
Gospel - Luke 13:31-35
In the first reading, St Paul urges the Ephesians to “put on the armour of God” so that they may stand firm against the forces of evil. He speaks of the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. These are not weapons for fighting other people. They represent the spiritual strength we need to resist evil, remain faithful to the Gospel, and live according to God's will.
Paul also reminds us that prayer is essential. He asks the believers to pray at all times in the Spirit and to remain watchful and persevering. We cannot overcome every difficulty through our own strength alone. We need God's grace to remain truthful when dishonesty seems advantageous, to choose forgiveness when anger feels justified, and to remain hopeful when circumstances seem discouraging.
The Gospel gives us a powerful example of this courage in Jesus himself. Some Pharisees warn him that Herod wants to kill him and advise him to leave. But Jesus does not allow fear to determine his mission. He continues to heal the sick, cast out demons, and fulfil the work entrusted to him. He knows that his journey will lead to Jerusalem, yet he remains faithful to the Father's will.
What is especially moving is that Jesus responds not with hatred towards Jerusalem, but with sorrow and compassion. He says, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem,” expressing his longing to gather its children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings. The image is tender and protective. Jesus desires to shelter his people, but they are unwilling to come to him.
Here we discover something essential about the heart of God. God's strength is not expressed through domination or revenge, but through faithful, self-giving love. Jesus is courageous enough to continue his mission, yet his courage is filled with compassion. Even when rejected, he does not stop loving.
These readings challenge us to reflect on how we face opposition and rejection. Sometimes we think that being strong means answering harshness with harshness or defending ourselves at all costs. But Christian strength means standing firm in truth without losing love. It means resisting evil without becoming evil ourselves, speaking the truth without hatred, and remaining faithful without giving in to despair.
Perhaps we also know people who are like the people of Jerusalem: distant from God, unwilling to listen, or resistant to reconciliation. We may feel frustrated when they refuse our help or reject our words. Jesus teaches us not to abandon love. We cannot force anyone to accept God's grace, but we can continue to pray, offer support, and keep the door of reconciliation open.
Today, let us ask ourselves: What armour do I need to strengthen in my spiritual life? Do I stand firm in truth and faith when I face difficulties? And when I encounter rejection, can I remain compassionate rather than become bitter?
May God clothe us with truth, righteousness, faith, and the strength of his Word. May prayer sustain us in moments of trial, and may the compassionate heart of Christ teach us to remain faithful without losing tenderness. Like Jesus, may we have the courage to continue the mission entrusted to us, trusting that the love of God is stronger than fear and that his grace will sustain us along the way.
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