Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You stand with us even when the world seems stacked against us—yes, even when it feels like we’re surrounded by “foxes” and prophets being stoned. Grant us courage to stand firm in your love, wisdom to see your hand at work, and humour to laugh when we realise we’re not on the winning side by human standards, but we’re on your side.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Readings
First Reading: Romans 8: 31b-39 — “If God is for us, who can be against us? … I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities… will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” USCCB
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 109: 21-22, 26-27, 30-31 — “Save me, O Lord, in your mercy.” Catholic Daily Readings+1
Alleluia Verse: from Luke 19:38; 2:14 — “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.” Catholic Daily Readings+1
Gospel: Luke 13:31-35 — Jesus says: “Go and tell that fox … I cast out demons and perform healings … Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you …” Catholic Daily Readings
Reflection & Dark-Humour Twist
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In Romans, Paul says: “If God is for us, who can be against us?” That’s bold. It’s like saying when you have the ultimate superhero on your side, the villains don’t stand a chance. But Paul knows the villains include death, life, angels, principalities, powers — basically a cosmic horror-show. Yet still: nothing can separate us from God’s love.
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The Psalm is somewhat desperate: “Save me, O Lord, in your mercy.” It’s the voice of someone aware of threats, of being “poor and needy”, of enemies rejoicing if he falls. The posture? Raw vulnerability.
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Then the Gospel: Jesus is warned, “Herod wants to kill you” (nice invitation, right?). He calls Herod a “fox”, and still proceeds. And he laments Jerusalem: “how many times I yearned to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood … but you were unwilling”. Ouch. Rejection. Frustration. Resolute love.
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So the theme: We have a God who fights for us, but the fight is serious. We have to choose him in a world that may mock, threaten, abandon. And God still yearns for us.
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Dark-humour angle: Imagine you’re in a boardroom meeting of cosmic forces — “Death, Life, Angels, Powers, Height, Depth…” all plotting to pull you down. Then God walks in and says, “Nah, you’re mine.” Mic drop. And you leave the meeting with a grin, because the biggest power has your back. Meanwhile you still trip over your shoelace. Classic human.
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For catechumens: You’re still learning the ropes. You’re still “in training”. But you already have the champion’s armour. Don’t wait until you’re flawless; you step into this love now. Yes, you might feel vulnerable — that’s the Psalm’s vibe. But that vulnerability is acknowledged and redeemed by God.
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Remember Jesus facing threats yet still focusing on his mission and his love for Jerusalem: be bold in your path even when others are wary or hostile.
Application for Daily Life
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Walk confidently — Knowing “nothing will separate us from the love of God” doesn’t mean you get a free pass to slack off. It means you can act boldly. If you’re in a workplace, a tough family situation, a place where you feel judged or marginalised — you’re not alone. You have God’s support.
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Embrace vulnerability — The Psalm’s cry “Save me, O Lord, in your mercy” is real. It’s okay to feel needy, to admit you don’t have it all together. That honesty opens you to God’s mercy. So this week: pick one thing you’re struggling with, admit it (to God, or a trusted friend), and ask for help.
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Love the hard places — Jesus looked at Jerusalem with sorrow because they rejected his love. There may be people around you who reject, mock or ignore the faith. Don’t give up. Love them anyway. Maybe with a bit of humour: “Yep, I’m that weird Christian who laughs in the face of cosmic board-meetings.”
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Stand firm in mission — Whether you’re at catechumen class, or you’ve been Catholic for decades, the call is to live the Gospel. Resist the “foxes” — subtle pressures, temptations, cynicism. Use your faith as your armour. And yes, be aware the “powers” may be mundane: gossip, laziness, fear. Take them seriously.
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Celebrate quietly — When you overcome something, don’t flaunt it in cosmic bragging rights. Instead, like the Psalm: “I will speak my thanks earnestly… in the midst of many I will praise him.” Let gratitude be your witness.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You knew threats, betrayal, rejection — yet you stayed the course. Grant us the same resolve. Help us to live in the confident knowledge that nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in you. When we falter, pick us up. When we feel vulnerable, remind us of your mercy. And when the board-meeting of cosmic forces tries to intimidate us, help us wink and smile because you’ve already won.
May our lives reflect your courage, your tenderness, your mission.
Glory and praise to you forever. Amen.
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