THE WORD
Rev 5,1-10 / Lk 19,41-44
As he drew near [to Jerusalem], Jesus 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.”
IN OTHER WORDS
Jesus lamented over Jerusalem. This is the context of our gospel today. Like Jesus, we as a Filipino people, also have our share of lamentations. We lamented over issues like PDAF and BSP, over the merciless killing of the 44 PNP-SAF members. We lamented because we know we have more as a nation but we get less as a people.
In the gospel, Jesus lamented because the people to whom He was sent to redeem did not listen to Him. They continued to be deaf and blind to his prodding to change, to repent and to recognize Him as the Son of God.
Thus, as Jesus lamented over the unbelief of the people, we should do likewise until our leaders listen and institute reforms for the betterment of our society and the common good. Let us not forget that Jesus fought all forms of oppression because He wanted His people to live happily in peace, prosperity, and justice.
Lamentation for its own sake does nothing good. Jesus really wants as to do our part as he did by His good actions and by being a good citizen. Remember, He paid his taxes too!
Finally, as Jesus lamented and did good deeds, He also prayed hard that these may bring true peace, prosperity and justice to all. These values are an experience of heaven on earth, a partaking of the Kingdom of God in our lifetime.
- Fr. Ross Heruela, SVD | DWIMS, Tagaytay City
The Word in other words 2016
An annual project of Logos Publications, The WORD in Other Words Bible Diary contains daily scripture readings and reflections written by priest, brothers, and sisters of the three congregations founded by St. Arnold Janssen (the SVD, SSpS, and SSpSAP). It hopes to serve as a daily companion to readers who continually seek the correlation of the Word of God and human experience.
