“And every day he was teaching in the temple area.” (LK 19: 47)
In our current time, we do not have access to “the temple area.” We are confined to our houses, in lockdown; we have a liturgy on TV or via the internet; we may not be able to pray in our churches and receive Holy Communion. But, we are not abandoned; we are not forgotten. He is always where we pray when we are listening to Him.
“My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.” (Gospel Acclamation)
“As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, he 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.’” (LK 19: 4-42)
How often in our relationships have we said something wrong and unpleasant, or have made a stupid comment or have not paid the right attention which then resulted in arguments, silent days, or even crisis? How often have we prayed for peace and would love to know “what makes for peace”? In that kind of situation, we can always invite our Lord, asking Him to come and to help. We can always say “I am sorry” and take responsibility for this situation, expressing ownership and respect to our spouses.
“If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” (Gospel Acclamation)
“While people were listening to Jesus speak, he proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalem and they thought that the Kingdom of God would appear there immediately.” (LK 19: 11)
With every generation, we understand that “immediately” does not mean what we normally understand it to mean. We could say just the opposite: people of our generation definitely do not expect “the Kingdom of God” immediately, do not expect and do not believe it could be soon—maybe in the future, maybe someday. So, what can we do with “immediately”? It helps us to remember that every day is a perfect occasion to grow, to love more, and to be more gentle, more respectful, and more giver; it is a day to make our homes a better place for our families and for our children.
“I chose you from the world, to go and bear fruit that will last, says the Lord.” (Gospel Acclamation)
“Great crowds were traveling with Jesus, and he turned and addressed them.” (LK 14: 25)
This is the unconditional love of Our Lord—always interested in us, always looking at what is good for us, always “turning and addressing us” about what is important and what we can do to live better. It is so good for us when we can spend some time every day just listening to Him.
“If you are insulted for the name of Christ, blessed are you, for the Spirit of God rests upon you.” (Gospel Acclamation)
“The master then ordered the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedgerows and make people come in that my home may be filled.’” (LK 14: 23)
True love wants to be spread; whoever loves, wants to share that love with others; like the Romans used to say: Bonum diffusivum sui—Good diffuses itself. You want to make everyone happy, you want to make everyone joyful, and you are so grateful for all the good that you both experience and share.
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.” (Gospel Acclamation)
“For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him may have eternal life, and I shall raise him on the last day.” (JN 6: 40)
These days we are asked to remember that our lives are a gift from God’s love, and our lives are given forever. Our destination is to be in heaven with Him forever. God gave His Son to redeem us and to lead us to heaven. This is our final destination, this is our real home, this is where we are going and where we will love and be loved. The only condition is to accept that we are loved by God and by His Son.
“Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” (Gospel Acclamation)
“Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.” (MT 5: 11-12)
The true difference between people of strong will and great character and ordinary people lies in their ability to work hard and postpone results for the long term. Only ego-centered personalities can’t wait and want rewards right now—I don’t want to be calm, I don’t want to be patient, I don’t want to be gentle… I have my right to behave this way. When we enjoy doing the right things at the right time, we are actually rewarded right now; we are anticipating our lives in heaven.
“Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest, says the Lord.” (Gospel Acclamation)
