A Poem a Sunday

Lent II – C

February 21, 2016

Commentary:  Like Jeremiah, Jesus laments the fate of Jerusalem.  Its destruction in 70 CE will be a turning point for both Judaism and Christianity.
God weeps as we remain indifferent to urban injustices.  The preacher has an opportunity to teach her congregation 'lament' and incite them toward justice.

St. Luke 13:31-35 - New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)

The Lament over Jerusalem

³¹ At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.” ³² He said to them, “Go and tell that fox for me,^[a] ‘Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. ³³ Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.’ ³⁴ Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! ³⁵ See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when^[b] you say, ‘Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

Footnotes:

1. Luke 13:32 Gk lacks for me
2. Luke 13:35 Other ancient authorities lack the time c
   omes when

A Poem a Sunday

Lent II – C

February 21, 2016

Lament

Jerusalem – the prophets

Salem – witches

Aleppo – the refugees

Flint – thirsty

God weeps

while we sleep

indifferent

oblivious

in

the

shadow

of

the

cross

Copyright @A Poem a Sunday by Kenn Storck

Written February 16, 2016

May be reproduced with permission

from kennstorck@gmail.com