Thursday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
October 27, 2022
Daily Reading from the USCCB: Luke 13:31-35
Luke describes Jesus nearing his last journey to Jerusalem where eventually he will face his passion and death. As he approaches he looks off in the distance to view the expanse of that great city. But just 50 years after Jesus’ own death the city will be leveled by the legions of the Roman Empire, and untold numbers of Jews would perish.
Jesus will also suffer death…arrested by the religious leaders who are filled with hate for him. He will be put on trial at night, which was an illegal act. He will be convicted on the perjured testimony of witnesses who contradicted each other. He will be beaten, slapped and chained. And for what? He has only preached the Good News, healed the sick, freed people from demons, and spoken truthfully. Jesus is truly a victim of unwarranted hate by people who were blinded by their own fears and jealousy.
Around the world there are so many innocent people who are slaughtered by hateful enemies. Terrorism is rampant and unfortunately terrorists use God as their reason for murder. God’s good name is smeared in lies once again.
