The LORD protects His own.

Zechariah 2:1-5,10-11a
Ps(Jer 31:10, 11-12ab, 13 R/v. 10
Luke 9:43b-45

When one measures something, one to a greater extent exercises mastery of that thing from its length to its width, in terms of knowledge. This calls for adequate knowledge. Knowledge itself is power.

So also if a shepherd knows the extents of the flock, he could easily have ways and means to guide the flock. This calls for protection of the flock.

The vision of Zechariah bespoke this analogy when the prophet saw a man going to measure Jerusalem; it’s length and width. Thus, Jerusalem said an angel will be guided by the LORD. The LORD shall be her wall and glory; protection.

Our Lord Jesus in the Gospel of Luke explicitly told his disciples that He, the Son of Man is going to be handed over into the power of men. But they didn’t understand him either.

What actually does it mean that He who has the power shall be handed over to the power of men?

He was handed over in order to measure the depth of sin of mankind, so that he could abolish death and bring life and immortality to light through the Gospel.

Christ measured and mastered death that that he might conquer it for our sake and offer us protection through the light of the gospel, by bringing us life and immortality.

This death applies both to our physical and spiritual life. Physical life entails that Christ guides us through the negatives of this life, and spiritually saves us from the wages of sin, and from sin itself.

Why then would many nations(people) not join themselves to the Lord and become his people?

Thus, the Lord will keep us, as a shepherd keeps his flock.

May we ask the Blessed Virgin Mary to intercede for us, for the grace to trust more in His Son’s protection

Fr. Henry Charles N. Umelechi.