18 October 2021 Luke 19:41-44
Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
DIVINE VISITATION
“You did not recognize the time of your visitation” (Luke 19:44).
In the Old Testament ‘visitation’ has two meanings. Firstly, to announce good news just as God visits Abraham to announce the birth of their long awaited child (Gen. 18:10). Secondly to give judgment as in the example of God’s visitation to Sodom and Gomorrah to punish the people for their sins (Gen. 18:20).
The Gospel today takes the second meaning of judgment over Jerusalem because the inhabitants of Jerusalem did not recognize the visitation of God in Jesus!
The Temple and City was destroyed by Roman General Titus in AD 70. The lamentation of Jesus means that the temple would not be destroyed if they had recognized the presence of God amidst them in Jesus.
Pope Benedict XVI calls the life life-style of our times as a ‘life of passing novelties’, a lifestyle that does not give any importance to interior life. In such life styles (materialistic-hedonistic-individualistic) there is no stake for spiritual future and people fail to recognize the presence of God amidst them, but people immerse themselves in present cares and comforts!
Let us be aware of Jesus visiting us in 3 ways in every Eucharistic celebration in the (1) Body and Blood of Christ, (2) Word of God, and (3) Communion of the Community of Believers. He also visits us through needy people. We must not lose the opportunity to welcome him and respond accordingly otherwise judgments will be upon us. Amen.