The lament for Jerusalem
LUKE 19:41-44
AS Jesus drew near Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace — but now it is hidden from your eyes. 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. 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.”
REFLECTION
IF THIS DAY YOU ONLY KNEW. Jesus weeps over Jerusalem as he approaches the city from the Mount of Olives. He is saddened because its inhabitants do not realize what makes for peace. Jerusalem is governed by misguided leaders. They think they are invincible. The city is in danger.
Jesus pictures what will happen. Its enemies are coming. They are angry. They will be encamped close to the city. They will deliver the final blow to the city, its citadels and Temple, the source of Jewish pride and arrogance. Jerusalem will be surrounded by enemy soldiers. The Zealots and the resistance movement will not be able to protect the city with their obsolete techniques and fanatical beliefs. When the superior enemy breaches its walls, there will be carnage. Pregnant women will not be spared. Their massive structures will be demolished. They will have nowhere to retreat. Death awaits them if they retreat to the ravine called Gehinnon, at the southern side.
Luke writes after the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. He interprets the destruction as a punishment from God because the Jews fail not only to make peace with their enemies but also to recognize the time of the Messiah’s visitation. Jesus is the instrument of their well-being, but they reject and crucify him.
Do not make Jesus cry. Do not ignore him when he comes to your rescue.
SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2018,” ST. PAULS Philippines, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: books@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.