11th Hour Preacher Party: Fox and Hen

At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, "Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you." He said to them, "Go and tell that fox for me, 'Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed outside of Jerusalem.' (Luke 13:31-33, NRSV)

Oh, my. It's *that* gospel text, at least for those of us preaching the Revised Common Lectionary.

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! See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.'" (Luke 13:34-35, NRSV)

I know some of our pals have hard sermons to preach tomorrow. Others may not be quite sure *what* they're preaching tomorrow. And for some of us (ahem, me), the idea that seemed so clear early in the week may have undergone a change and a decrease in clarity.

But we are here for each other, sisters and brothers! The coffee is on! Hot water for tea! Waffles!! Oatmeal!! Anybody want a soft-boiled egg?

I'll be here working throughout the day, and I invite you to lend a word of encouragement, share a brilliant thought or tell us a joke, because I'm guessing most of us would love to hear some.

Did you hear the one about the fox and the hen?