JESUS WEPT OVER...
(Luke 19:41-44)
The popular account of Jesus'
weeping was the occasion of the death of Lazarus His friend. In the garden of
Gethsemane Jesus also wept.
Today, Jesus is pictured weeping
passionately and bitterly.
Every weeping of Jesus is
followed by a saving action. At the tomb of Lazarus, it was followed by a
prayer and a restoration to life. In Gethsemane, it was followed by the
determination to suffer and die for the salvation of human race.
Today's Gospel reading's account
recounts a weeping over Jerusalem. These were some of Christ's words while
weeping: “Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace!...for
the days shall come upon you...because you did not know the time of your
visitation."
In the previous weepings of Jesus
above, His concern was the grip of the devil on His creatures, those made in
divine image and likeness. He was heartbroken because of the sorry situation
and pitiable state of man under satanic manipulation.
In the weeping of today, Jesus is
rather distressed at the firm grip of man on the devil. He is not finding it
funny that man has refused to take divine initiative, redemption and visitation
seriously. The comfort of man while at enmity with God was a problem for Him.
Jesus weeps because of the destruction that will soon come on those who had
every opportunity to be at peace in the kingdom of God.
Is Jesus still weeping over us?
Have we comforted Jesus for the weepings over our inability to make peace with
Him?
When Jesus visits our world
today, are we going to be like those who did not know the time God visited?
What will God see when He comes?
Will He see what will make Him tearful or joyful?
Jesus will certainly weep for the
wickedness in our world. Jesus will weep over the killings in Nigeria. Jesus
will weep because of the exploitation of the poor masses. Jesus weeps because
of the high level of ritualism and diabolism in our cities and villages. Jesus
weeps at the insecurity in our land. Jesus weeps in a country where the
education of the youth is not taken seriously. Jesus weeps because of
misappropriation of values here and there. Jesus weeps at the level of
heartless cybercrimes. Jesus weeps at the collapse of morality, sanctity and
integrity. Jesus weeps at religiosity without spirituality. Jesus weeps
bitterly because of our stubborn attitude towards positive change and
conversion.
Jesus does not enjoy weeping. He
wants us to make him glad by living in awareness of his love for us.
LET US PRAY
Weep no more dear Lord Jesus
Christ. We have really caused you deep pain by not welcoming you at the various
times you visited us with your words of conversion expecting our repentance and
total change of heart. Sorry Lord for our wickedness and sins. Give us grace to
make you happy here on earth and reign with you forever and ever. Amen
God bless your Thursday (33rd
Week, Ordinary Time)
Rev Fr Julian O Ekeh
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