Today's Gospel - November 17, 2011 with Reflection

G O S P E L

 

Jesus was filled with compassion for the people of Jerusalem. He could foresee that they would suffer terrible trials under the Romans. He desired to bring them into the Father’s Kingdom, but they and their leaders rejected Him. And so they would reap the consequences of their hardness of heart. This is a sober warning not to take for granted the grace of God when it is offered to us, as our refusal will always have dire consequences.

 

ALLELUIA

R: Alleluia, alleluia

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

R: Alleluia, alleluia

 

Luke 19:41-44

41 As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept over it, 42 saying, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace — but now it is hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against you; they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides. 44 They will smash you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another within you because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.”

 

my reflections

t h i n k : Let us not take for granted the grace of God when it is offered to us, as our refusal always will have dire consequences.

SABBATH

GOD AMONG US   In the Gospel, there are only two instances when we see Jesus weeping. First, when he approaches Jerusalem, and secondly, upon hearing the news of the death of Lazarus. The evangelists often state the human emotions of Jesus. He thought with a human mind, worked with human hands and truly loved with a human heart. Jesus weeps here at the closed heart of the people. God is right there in the midst to visit His people and He goes unnoticed. As prophet, He foretells the upcoming destruction of Jerusalem, which saw its fulfilment in 70 A.D. For Luke, the whole Gospel has been the journey towards Jerusalem. Now, as Jesus catches the sight of the city, which He loves and has travelled many times before, His heart breaks. His face has been set like flint. He is very aware of His plight. Many prophets have gone before Him to the city and have died for the cause of right. He seems like one of the many — and yet He is determined to set foot once again. Jesus weeps at their non-acceptance of the Savior and the future destruction of the city. What a shame to miss the opportunity. Jesus’ heart is shattered at the loss they will experience. He has done all He could. He taught and worked among His own. St. John states in his prologue, “His own did not accept Him.” His heart wrenched as He experienced the despair and faithless people whom He loved. Only a few days from now, Jesus would die from a broken heart on the Cross. The contrast of this visitation is amazing as we reflect on the visitation of Mary to her relative, Elizabeth. One is characterized by joy; another by sadness. One is gladly accepted; the other is utterly rejected. The Spirit-filled Elizabeth proclaimed the mighty deeds of God. The influence of evil, like a dark cloud hanging over the city, overshadows the visit to Jerusalem. Jesus sets His heart on the will of the Father; we can imagine His anguish in the garden that night at Gethsemane. Let us accept the Lord as He visits His people. Let us be willing to take up every opportunity as He comes to save, heal and deliver. Fr. Brian Steele, MGL   Reflection Question: Jesus desires to visit you. Will you welcome His visitation?   Emmanuel, God with us, come and set Your people free. Amen.   St. Hilda, pray for us.