Listen to Lectio Divine – Octuber 29 – 3.2 min

Faithful to Christ’s Mission

Thursday, October 29 | Scripture: Luke 13:31–35

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you! How many times I yearned to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you were unwilling!” (Luke 13:34)

Read the Gospel slowly. Contemplate Jesus, who remains faithful to His mission despite threats and rejection.

Jesus knows His mission and does not allow threats to turn Him away from it. He continues proclaiming the Kingdom of God, healing the sick, and offering salvation. Yet His heart grieves over Jerusalem’s rejection of His love.

The image of the hen gathering her chicks under her wings reveals Jesus’ tenderness and desire to protect His people. He does not stop loving those who reject Him.

We, too, live in a world where God is often excluded from personal life and society. As Christians, we are called to remain faithful to Jesus and continue His mission, proclaiming the Good News to those who do not know Him or have drifted away.

Before evangelizing others, however, we must allow Christ to gather us under His wings and experience His love. Only by remaining close to Him can we proclaim the Gospel with His tenderness, courage, and compassion.

Our mission requires perseverance, especially when we encounter criticism, misunderstanding, or rejection. Yet we are never alone. God gives us the grace, wisdom, strength, and discernment needed to fulfill our vocation. Our task is not to impose our will, but to allow God to work through us.

Let us reflect:

Have I allowed Christ to enter my life and guide my decisions?
Do I recognize the mission God has entrusted to me through my vocation?
Do I proclaim the Gospel with courage and love, even amid difficulties?
Who in my life needs to encounter Christ’s love?

Photo: Giotto (–1337), Lamentación, Capilla Scrovegni.

Let’s Pray

Lord Jesus, thank You for calling me to participate in Your mission. Gather me under Your wings and help me experience Your love. Free me from fear, insecurity, and everything that draws me away from You.

Give me courage to proclaim Your Kingdom, love for souls, and generosity in serving others. Teach me to seek Your will rather than my own. Strengthen me to fulfill faithfully the mission You have entrusted to me. Amen.

Remain silently in the Lord’s presence. Imagine yourself resting beneath His protective wings. Receive His love before thinking about your mission.

Repeat in your heart: “Lord, gather me close to You and teach me to love as You love.”

Identify one person who needs encouragement or is distant from God. Take one concrete step this week to help that person encounter Christ through your presence, prayer, or words.