Thursday – 33rd Week in Ordinary Time

Gospel – Luke 19:41-44

Missed It By That Much!

Chapel of Tears, Jerusalem

I have a tendency to distract (maybe irritate) Ginger a bit when we are watching a movie or tv show, especially any of the BBC mysteries.  I can spot an actor in the background of a scene or simply recognize a voice and then proceed with a long list of their past appearances in other shows or movies.  “You remember them; they were in …..   How could you have missed it?”   I suppose it gets annoying and obviously it really isn’t all that important but at least my memory is still working (overtime).  But it makes me wonder how often I miss the main plot and storyline because I was so focused on the trivia!

Have you ever missed out on something big, something momentous, something important or one of a kind?  Maybe it was an historical event, maybe something so breathtaking in its simplicity or so unique that it could have changed your life?  But you missed it!  Whether you were distracted or pre-occupied or just daydreaming, you missed it!  Or maybe unfortunately you were deliberately stubborn or resistant, and you chose to ignore it

We see Jesus today as one of His most human moments.  He is entering Jerusalem for what He knows is the last time.  His suffering and death await!  And when He sees the walls of the city, He weeps!  Not for what He is about to endure, not for the pain and betrayal and denial that are coming!  He weeps for the people, for all the people who “didn’t recognize the time of His visitation”.  He weeps for all those who missed out!  He loves us all so dearly that He is heart-broken over those who deliberately choose to ignore the opportunity to see Him and follow Him.

Are we missing out today?  What prevents us from seeing Jesus in our life, from recognizing His loving presence?  What obstacles are there that block us from Him?  Are they removable? Did we place them there ourselves?  What opportunities await us today that could draw us closer to Him?  Are we going to miss out on something life-changing today because we are focused on something else much less important? God help us today to see You with the eyes of faith and not miss the opportunity to feel Your love and presence!

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