Thirty-Third Thursday of Ordinary Time

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. 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.”

Jesus always shows compassion to sinners, even those who are persecuting him. He wishes all God’s children would listen to his gospel message of love, mercy, and grace, but alas he knows this is not the way of the world. How many of us would take pity on those who were about to abuse, torture, and kill us? But a heart of compassion is exactly what Jesus wants from us. If he can forgive those who will crucify him, then how much more should we be willing to forgive those who trespass against us? However, this gospel is also a warning to those who persecute him or his followers. Those who do not recognize Christ as their savior will be punished for their offenses. But what does that mean for us who are Christians? Perhaps it means that when we are afforded the opportunity to do good by loving our God or neighbor, we should welcome the chance and do everything within our power to do God’s Will. Jesus may not be coming in the flesh to visit us, but he does come to us within the hearts of those who are in need of our love and mercy.

Are we willing to love and be merciful toward those who persecute us? Are we keeping an eye out for opportunities to welcome Jesus into our lives through others? Are our hearts open to Jesus' spirit of compassion?

O Lord, help us to have compassion on those who harm us.

Amen.