A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 19:41-44
And when he drew near and saw the city he wept over it, saying, "Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace! But now they are hid from your eyes. For the days shall come upon you, when your enemies will cast up a bank about you and surround you, and hem you in on every side, and dash you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another in you: because you did not know the time of your visitation.
REFLECTION: " he wept over it"
It is hard to understand the darkness in this world. Have you ever had those days when from the "getgo" before setting foot on the floor, you know it is going to be a bad day?
I had such a day--all it took was one negative comment and it led to self doubt, self criticism and defensive words. I found myself being non caring for the person sitting in front of me. All this because someone spoke a negative word.
It was hard to find happiness, joy and enthusiasm when my heart was crushed.
Imagine Jesus, who was human and had all human needs, wants and feelings. Imagine how he felt when he was shunned by the Jewish people. He had walked their streets, eaten with them and taught them the Good News. Many had witnessed his miracles. Yet their response was, "Is there more?"
What anguish for Jesus. Jesus had given many opportunities to all to change their hearts and now he is full of tears. God had chosen them to be his own special people, yet they refused His son. They chose death and darkness over Him.
I always question myself when I fail.--was I too preachy, did I care too much, did I not pray enough, did I not care enough, was I not persevering enough, should I have said something else, on and on and on....
Jesus expressed true human love, weeping at the death of Lazarus and when he stood in front of Jerusalem knowing its fate. I am sure he cries when I walk away from him. So why do I do it? What can I do about this?
I choose not to let the small delays in my life define me . I choose to learn God's teaching during these difficult times and to concentrate on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I choose to share my foibles and lost dreams with him. And I know that Jesus will allow me to cry on his shoulder and he, too, cries with me and my broken dreams. Jesus knows his children and loves them, knows how hard it is to be patient, loving, caring or charitable. He knows how long a day can be and how tired we are with still so much to do when we get home. Yet he is there always to show us how it is done.
Man cannot live without love. No matter what walk of life we have chosen, it is this love we have for Jesus and the love he has for us that I give praise and thanksgiving.
Today, we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. I thank God for my life--thank Him for His blessings on me and my family. I thank Him for His friendship. I might not know much theology, nor can I recite the verses in the bible, nor do I pray as much as others, but I know God likes me and I know He loves me. When we sit down to say grace, we will pray for forgiveness and peace in this world. We will ask Jesus Christ to be present at our dinner table .
"The Son of God loved me and he gave himself up for me" Gal 2:20. What more can I be thankful for today?
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Please pray for priests who might be lonely especially during the holidays.
