Previous to this Gospel scene was the call of Jesus to repentance. Repentance is what will make us "recline at table in the Kingdom of God." But before the day ended, some Pharisees came to Him and asked Him to go away because of the threat of Herod to kill Him. It was not really a concern for Jesus but for fear that they will be blamed for what happened to Him. Jesus had already gained a lot of following and the Pharisees do not know what the crowd will do in case something happened to Jesus. But Jesus was not afraid. He knew the consequences of His action. He knew His fate in Jerusalem. Prophets had met their fate in Jerusalem. His fate will not be different.
The mention of the days (today, tomorrow, and the third day, including the half day He was spending) were significant to the Jewish listeners of Jesus, and thus to us too today. Those days refer to days of persecution and rejection. Jesus was giving the message that we will also have our days of persecution when we live our being prophets of God. Christian life is not a bed of roses. In our quest to preach the Gospel, many will reject us. Many will taunt us and make fun of us for believing in the Word. But as Jesus said in His lament over Jerusalem, "Behold, your house will be abandoned. But I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.'" Those who will reject the Word will suffer. Those who will not listen would experience the pain of longing for the presence of God. It will be the severest longing anyone could experience. Having had the chance to hear and be graced by the Word, but decided instead to be take it for granted, they suffer the consequence of only hearing it again at the final judgment.
The suffering is worth it. At least our Lord Jesus was honest about it. We have seen it happen to all the prophets. We have seen it happen even to the Lord Jesus, the Son of God! He grace us an example. He led and lived the way. It should inspire us more than make us afraid. It should give us courage more than weakness. It should make us hopeful and not desperate. And it should make us faithful and not doubtful. Quo Vadis? There is no other way, for Jesus is the Way!
It is hard to believe; but it is harder not to believe. It is hard to be a Christian; but it is harder not to be one. It is hard to be one with God; but it is harder to be separated from Him. The choice is clear.
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