Reading: Luke 19:41-44
Reflection: In Luke’s Gospel, as Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem was nearing its destination, Jesus paused, looked over the city and wept because he knew that his people were refusing to see the truth about the world and about God’s desire for them. Then, he continued into the city, cleansed the Temple, and got into a debate with the religious leaders which finally sealed their intention to have him executed.
But, the lament in today’s reading reveals both Jesus’ deep compassion for his people, and his willingness to confront them strongly. We should read this passage carefully so that we don’t fall into thinking that the disaster Jesus foretold was only an act of punishment by God. It was more likely that Jesus recognized that rebellion was brewing, and that Rome would respond with violent brutality, that caused him to speak about the trouble that would come if God’s people refused to embrace the way of peace, justice, love, mercy, service, and simplicity. They had not heard his message that God’s Reign was completely different from human empires, and so Jesus knew that they would attempt to use the same violent strategies to overthrow Rome that Rome had used on them, and they would fail dismally.
History shows that Jesus was correct. We too are faced with a choice between the Way of God’s Reign and the way of power, wealth, dominance, and violence. Both ways will lead us into suffering, but the first helps to make the world more just, peaceful and loving, and leads us through the struggle to life. In the second way suffering is the result of the violence and manipulation of human empires seeking to grab hold of or hang on to power – and it creates a never-ending cycle of pain and violence. Are there any power struggles in your life where you’ve failed to heed the call of God’s Reign? How can you respond now?
Practice for Today: The act of giving is less about money, than about learning to let go of all that keeps us from following the simple, sacrificial ways of God’s Reign. Today, whenever you find yourself trying to build an empire – for yourself or any other human person or organization – try to give a little power and love away.
Prayer for Today: I embrace the call of your Reign, O God, to serve, give, and love sacrificially.
Communion with Christ