*27th of October 2022*

*Thursday in the 20th week of Ordinary Time, Year 11*

_Eph. 6:10-20_

_Lk. 13:31-35_

*Don't get discouraged by the Foxes of this world*

In the gospel reading of today, some people came to Jesus and advised him to take a different route, or rather escape from the city because Herod wanted to kill him. To this Jesus replied "Go and tell that Fox, behold I cast out demons and perform healings today and tomorrow and on the third day I accomplish my purpose."

In the above exchange, we could deduce what could be called an intimidation. Intimidation is an intentional behavior or act of frightening or making someone apprehensive especially in order to make them do what one wants. 

We know that from the word go, majority of the Pharisees have been very envious of Jesus, so their statement today could be dismissed and not seen as a concern to the wellbeing of Jesus. They were rather warning Christ as a way to make him leave the district. 

Beloved friends, sometimes in life we experience things of this sort. There are people around us who are experts in creating fears in us. They do this either by way of gossip, warning, malice etc. They do this in a bid to create anxiety within us. How do we respond to these, do we become fearful and give in to their malice or do we like Jesus confront their intimidations and malice? Do you allow the opinions of others get you afraid or worked up? This should not be so.

•In the gospel of today, Jesus compared himself to a hen who has come to gather her brood under wings. He also compared or called Herod Antipas a Fox. Foxes to a large extent threaten the lives of other animals which hens and chickens are also part of. Herod made efforts to frustrate the ministry of Jesus. He did not stop at that but also aided and played a part in the condemnation of Jesus. There are still various foxes in our societies today. They come in different ways and forms. Identify those foxes that intimidate you but do not be discouraged by them but be interested like Jesus in doing the will of the father today, tomorrow, and next day.

•Finally, let nothing come between us and the love of God, St. Paul exhorts us in the first reading. As he longs like a hen to gather us his brood, let us be willing, not like the people of Jerusalem who made him exclaim "Jerusalem...how many times have I yearned to gather you together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, but you are unwilling."

*May the Lord help us to be willing and not be discouraged*

(Fr. Camillus Nwaigwe)