Daily Reflections

November 17, 2011
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.