HOMILY FOR THURSDAY OF THE 33RD WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II

Homily for Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time, year II 

Revelation 5:1-10; Lk.19:41-44

In the first reading, St. John writes; "Then I saw in the right hand of the one seated on the throne a scroll written on the inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals" (Rev 5:1). This scroll as used in the ancient times contains the history of the world, of creation, redemption, God's will and decrees. We are told: "No one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it" (Rev. 5:4). Except "The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals" (Rev 5:5).

Dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, the mysteries, secrets and deep purposes of God can only be unsealed by no one else except the Son of Man. In Mathew 11:27, Jesus says, " No one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him". Jesus alone can open the seals. He alone has authority in heaven and on earth. He alone can reveal the plans and purposes of God. He is the revelation of God. He is the Logos. Beloved in Christ, what is your relationship and communion with Jesus, the Lion of the tribe of Judah? For outside of Jesus our knowledge of God suffers. Knowledge empowers the will to serve. 

Today’s gospel has it thus: 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.” Luke 19:41-42. It is hard to know exactly what Jesus knew about the future of the people of Jerusalem. But we do know, from this Gospel, that his knowledge made him weep in sorrow. 

To say that Jesus wept implies that it was not simply some sadness or disappointment, but rather, a very deep sorrow that moved him to very real tears. Jesus was weeping over Jerusalem because he was aware of the fact that so many people would reject him and his visit. As Jesus came to bring them the gift of eternal salvation, sadly enough, some ignored him out of indifference while others were infuriated at him and sought his death. He was not only weeping over Jerusalem but also over-all people especially those of his future family of faith including us.

He wept, in particular, at the lack of faith that he saw so many had and will have. Jesus, keenly aware of this fact, was grieved deeply.

God, as you weep over our sin, may those tears wash us and cleanse us so that we may make a total commitment to you as our Divine Lord and King through Christ our Lord, Amen.

Have a blessed day!

Fr Remi Osj