Read: Luke 13:31-35
“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!” (Luke 13:34, NRSV).
The following reflection is part of a series called, “Creature Features.” It speaks from the perspective of the mother hen.
Some would say I am just a metaphor.
First, I would like to take issue with that word, “just.” Metaphors allow us to say what we mean—only more so. Think of the saying, “A picture paints a thousand words.” A metaphor paints a picture, and Jesus is painting a powerful picture with his words in this passage. He could have spent paragraphs trying to explain his feelings for the people of Jerusalem. Instead, he says it all by suggesting this image of me sheltering my chicks.
Second, metaphors are not tied to a particular time and place. I find this freeing. In fact, that’s what liberates me to say some things about how this image of me with my chicks may speak to your situation.
I understand there has been a series of terrible shootings in recent weeks. Not one, but several. I am sorry. The one at the elementary school in Texas hit me especially hard. As a mother—whose every instinct is to protect her chicks—I can’t even begin to imagine the agony, the desperation, and the anger of those families. So many young lives lost. So many more lives shattered.
It makes me wonder what Jesus might say to the citizens of your country. I suspect it would be some version of what he said in Luke 13:34. And since metaphors are allowed some extra latitude, I hope you’ll allow me to suggest this paraphrase:
Oh, United States of America, the country that shoots its own children and rejects those who plead for gun control, how often have I longed to gather you as a hen gathers her chicks?
I’m sure this paraphrase will offend some of you. But what can I say? I’m a mother hen. My first obligation is to protect my little ones. I’m not sure why you don’t see that as a higher priority.
I am deeply honored by Jesus’ choice of me as a metaphor. If there is any comfort in your situation it is that Jesus still longs to gather you under his wings—flawed as you are. And of course, there is incomparable comfort in the fact that, even now, he is gathering every one of those precious lost lives under the shelter of his wings.
That really is a picture that paints a thousand words.
Ponder this powerful hymn, “There is a Place.” It was written by John L. Bell in response to a shooting at a primary school in Dunblane Scotland on March 13, 1996. This recording was posted in response to the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut on Dec. 14, 2012.
Pray: We have no words. Gather us—and all those whose lives have been touched by tragedy—under the shelter of your wings.