Hen gathers her brood under her wings

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirtieth Week : Thursday*

*Gospel : Lk 13:31-35*

*First Reading : Eph 6:10-20*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 144:1b, 2:9-10*

*Hen gathers her brood under her wings*

*1) Hen Symbolises Motherly Love*

First of all Hen plays a role of a Mother 

Gathering the chicks under her wings in any situation shows the motherly love 

The hen is never tired of keeping the chicks under her wings. A symbol of great motherly Love 

*2) Hen Symbolises the Protection*

The chicks under the wings of mother hen are perfectly protected 

No one can easily take the chicks from her wings 

The extended wings shows the protection of Mother hen to the chicks 

*3) Watchfulness and Alertness:*

The Mother hen is always watchful and alert  to the surrounding situations 

Its eyes are very sharp in judging the situation. Within no time the mother hen is able to perceive the danger and give signal about the danger. So that chicks can immediately take shelter in her wings 

*4) The Space under the Wings*

First of all the mother Hen is able to accommodate all the chicks in her wings 

It is always visible that no hen is unable to accommodate its chicks under her wings 

If there are 25 chicks hen can accommodate and hen is able to extend her wings, as per the situation and number of the chicks 

Inside the wings there is warmth, protection and safety. 

That is the beauty of the Wings 

*5) Hen always leads the chicks*

The chicks usually follow the mother 

If some times, the chicks lag behind the mother hen will not go ahead. It comes back, takes the chick and then proceeds

For mother hen evey chick is very important. 

*6) The Sacrificial Aspect*

This is very much reflected in the Hen 

The mother hen is ready to lay down her life for the sake of the chicks 

She fights against all the challenges risking her own life 

The mother hen will never run away from the challenging  situations

*7) Jesus, Church and Hen*

The symbolism of Hen is very much applicable to Jesus and the mother church 

The qualities found in the hen is very much reflected and seen in Jesus and the mother church 

The mission of taking care of the children, as mother by Jesus and the mother church is very much seen and reflected. 

*8) My Mission*

My life should reflect the image of the Hen, in whatever I do 

As a hen I can't give up my mission in any adverse situations. 

Am I ready to play the role of a Hen in my mission for the Lord?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*