Gospel (Lk 19:41-44)

And when Jesus drew near and saw the city he wept over it, saying, “Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace! But now they are hid from your eyes. For the days shall come upon you, when your enemies will cast up a bank about you and surround you, and hem you in on every side, and dash you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another in you; because you did not know the time of your visitation.”

Commentary

Jesus arrives in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover with his disciples. It will be the last one on this earth for him. These are days of great intensity and pent-up emotions. Approaching from Bethany, he stops at the Mount of Olives and contemplates the majesty of the Temple and the walls of the Holy City. Jesus begin to cry. He cannot contain his grief at the inability of its people to recognize him.

This is what causes sorrow in Jesus’ heart: the infidelity of its people. Jesus cries over the closed hearts in the Holy City, in the Chosen People. For they didn't have time to open the door for him; they were too busy and self-satisfied.

Upon entering Jerusalem, the pilgrims traveling with Jesus are overcome by their enthusiasm and proclaim him “Son of David.” A few days later, Jesus will leave that city carrying a piece of wood. The King of kings and Lord of lords will be crowned with thorns, “despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces” (Is 53:3).

This is Jesus, the God made man who cries for each one of us. Because we too so often are unable to recognize Him as the one who leads to peace. Because our heart too is so often busy and satisfied with itself, closing itself to Love.

Jesus cries so that we learn to cry with Him. He gives his life, so that we can live. So that we can find in his sorrow and suffering the strength to begin again each day. Saint Josemaría advised us to stir up in our heart “Love-sorrow. Because he is good. Because he is your friend, who gave his life for you. Because every good thing you have is his. Because you have offended him so much... Because he has forgiven you... He!... you! Weep, my son, with Love-sorrow” (The Way, 436).