The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to meditate on how we can act in response to violence and hateful attitudes in our society.
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| Peaceful political action |
The reading from the First Book of Maccabees details how refusal to accept pagan worship led to exile for believers.
* [2:29] The wilderness: the sparsely inhabited mountain country southward from Jerusalem and west of the Dead Sea, in the region where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found.1
An anthem recognizing acceptable sacrifice is in Psalm 50.
* [Psalm 50] A covenant lawsuit stating that the sacrifice God really wants is the sacrifice of praise accompanied by genuine obedience (cf. Mi 6:1–8). It begins with a theophany and the summoning of the court (Ps 50:1–6). Then in direct address God explains what is required of the faithful (Ps 50:7–15), rebukes the hypocritical worshiper (Ps 50:16–21), and concludes with a threat and a promise (Ps 50:22–23; cf. Is 1:19–20).2
Jesus weeps over Jerusalem in the Gospel of Luke.
* [19:41–44] The lament for Jerusalem is found only in Luke. By not accepting Jesus (the one who mediates peace), Jerusalem will not find peace but will become the victim of devastation.3
Angela Maynard can’t help but consider the violence and hate that seems to blanket our world. Think of so many who make the painful decision to flee their home in search of peace and safety, many times leaving loved ones behind.
I remember those who have lost faith, and feel alone as a result. I think of those perpetrating crimes against humanity because they see no other way.
Is it coincidental that this gospel falls on the Memorial of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary? Mary is the Mother of Jesus. She was his fierce protector. She said Yes to God. This is opportunity.
Jesus shows us how to live the gospel. This should help end war and bring peace to the world. This is opportunity.
Just for today, consider the opportunities for peace. How can I follow the call of Jesus? How can I contribute to peace at home, in my work, in my community, in my world? How can I say yes to God?4
Don Schwager quotes “Jesus fulfills the beatitude for those who weep,” by Origen of Alexandria (185-254 AD).
"When our Lord and Savior approached Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept... By his example, Jesus confirms all the Beatitudes that he speaks in the Gospel. By his own witness, he confirms what he teaches. 'Blessed are the meek,' he says. He says something similar to this of himself: 'Learn from me, for I am meek.' 'Blessed are the peacemakers.' What other man brought as much peace as my Lord Jesus, who 'is our peace,' who 'dissolves hostility' and 'destroys it in his own flesh' (Ephesians 2:14-15). 'Blessed are those who suffer persecution because of justice.'"No one suffered such persecution because of justice as did the Lord Jesus, who was crucified for our sins. The Lord therefore exhibited all the Beatitudes in himself. For the sake of this likeness, he wept, because of what he said, 'Blessed are those who weep,' to lay the foundations for this beatitude as well. He wept for Jerusalem and said,'If only you had known on that day what meant peace for you! But now it is hidden from your eyes,' and the rest, to the point where he says, 'Because you did not know the time of your visitation'" (excerpt from HOMILY ON THE GOSPEL OF LUKE 38.1–2)5
The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 19:41-44 comments in his mourning over Jerusalem, Jesus joined a long line of prophets who also lamented over God’s people. Elisha wept when he saw that the king of Aram would destroy Israel (2 Kings 8:11-12). Nehemiah wept when news reached him of the desperate state of his people in a burned-out Jerusalem (Nehemiah 1:4). And Jeremiah, known as “the weeping prophet,” shed bitter tears “over the great destruction which overwhelms . . . my people” (Jeremiah 14:17).
It’s not just Jesus or the ancient prophets though. Many of us have wept over someone who has lost their faith. Maybe they see no need for God, or doubt his mercy, or are angry with him. Whatever the cause, their suffering pierces our hearts, and we grieve for them. We want nothing more than for them to taste the peace and mercy that we know.
How comforting to know that Jesus weeps with us! He longs for their healing and reunion even more than we do. That’s who Jesus is. Look what happened after his lament of Jerusalem. He continued to preach and teach and offer his mercy to every person who was willing to accept him. Then he gave his very life on the cross for our salvation.6
Friar Jude Winkler connects the text about the persecution of Jews by the Seleucid empire to a guerilla war that established an independent nation. The Hasideans, led by Judas Maccabeus became both the monarchs and high priest. Friar Jude reminds us that Luke wrote the Gospel after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE.
The Catholic Culture website quotes “The Church's Year of Grace” by Pius Parsch about the memorial today of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
"In the East, where the feast, celebrated since the eighth century, is kept as a public holiday, it bears the name, 'The Entrance of the Mother of God into the Temple'. It was introduced at Rome by a Cypriotic legate to the papal court of Avignon in 1371. In 1472, Sixtus IV extended its observance to the whole Church. Abolished by Pius V, it was reintroduced some years later (1585)."7
Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, quotes Sister of Social Service Simone Campbell, author, lawyer, poet, and Executive Director of NETWORK, who testifies that faith impels her into the public square. It is abundantly clear that Pope Francis is correct when he says that faith has real consequences in the world . . . and these consequences involve politics. . . . Religion/politics is at the heart of her contemplative practice.
I was . . . lobbying a . . . Senator. . . . I commented on the story of a constituent and asked her how her colleagues could turn their eyes away from the suffering and fear of their people. The conversation went on a bit, and then the senator came back to my question. She said that . . . they did not get close to the candid stories of their people. In fact, some did not see these constituents as “their people.” Tears sprang to my eyes at her candor and the pain that keeps us sealed off from each other because of political partisanship. . . .
In many ways, we are a bit like the senators who close themselves off from the needs of their constituents. We could get caught in the pain of rejection and blame, fighting against an unjust judgment. But for me, the contemplative perspective leads to letting go of my desires and control while opening to the gift of the moment. My consistent learning is that behind the loss is always a surprise, opening into something new. There are prices to be paid, but they are small when compared to the hunger of our people. . . .
My prayer has led me . . . to know that reflection on the Gospel leads to compassion. Compassion often leads to much more nuanced analysis. . . . This more nuanced approach comes out of my prayer and call to care for the 100%, but it does come at a price. . . . The Spirit has pushed us out of our comfort zone of acceptability in order to meet the needs of people we had not known were ours. . . .8
Our faith compels a response to the hatred and violence of our time that is based on love and compassion in Jesus.
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