11/23/2023 (Thursday) Today’s gospel reading: 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.”

11/23/2023 (Thursday) Today’s gospel reading: Luke 19:41-44

Whenever we hear Jesus speaks of violence in Jerusalem, many people points out to the ongoing conflict between Israel and its neighbors. Likewise when we hear news of war and violence in that part of the world, we remember this particular passage of the gospel. Yet Jesus gave the warning of destruction two thousand years ago. Until now million of people still do not recognize His coming as the savior of the world. We must hasten to say, unless all people recognize Him and listen to Him, there will always be violence in the world.

Just as Jesus wept before, we too weep upon hearing news of war and violence anywhere it happens. It is because children and the elderly are unnecessarily the victims. Yet even as we weep, we know that we do not weep alone. We believe Jesus is weeping with us. He knows what it is to be a victim of violence for He Himself died in the most violent way. So we ask Him in prayer to console all victims of violence and to touch the heart of those people who initiate and perpetuate violence.

Yet even as we pray, let us do our best to stop violence. With courage, we tell our leaders to work for real peace. Moreover, let us be supportive of people who are working for peace. Above all, let peace begin with each one of us and let us all be channels of peace.

That peace can only be attained if our heart is full of love. Let that love flow from within and reach out to others. Only love that flows from God can lead to peace. Indeed only Jesus can give real peace. The world cannot. (John 14:27)

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