Bitter compassion
If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace (Luke 19: 42)
As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” (Luke 19: 41-44)
Jesus' bitter compassion for Jerusalem’s inhabitants is not just directed at them, but at all those who, in the future and until his glorious return, are unable to accept His gifts, which are to be used for their own salvation. Therefore, let us not feel superior to others for the grace have of being Christian. Rather, let us pray to Jesus so the He makes us constantly vigilant, ready to recognize Him whenever He passes through our lives, thus avoiding the fate of Jerusalem’s inhabitants who were unable recognize Him as God.
