O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, … how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling!
Matthew 23:37
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Like a hen
Jesus uses a motherly image for himself here. A hen gathering her chicks under her wings when danger threatens.
On the Mount of Olives stands a chapel called Dominus Flevit: the Lord wept. In the altar there is a mosaic of a hen with her chicks. It shows that this isn't an angry saying, but grief. God doesn't force. He invites, and he weeps when the invitation isn't accepted.
Question for today
Do I dare to shelter under his wings?
Prayer
Lord, you want to protect me as a hen protects her chicks. Don't let me run away, but let me shelter with you. Amen.