Thursday 23 November 2023

Today is Thursday the 23rd of November, in the 33rd week of Ordinary time.

The community of Taizé sing Da Pacem Cordium: “Give peace to our hearts”. As I listen, I might join in this prayer, asking the Lord for peace in my heart, asking God to help me still myself for a moment, so I can listen to his gentle voice, speaking to my heart.

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.


Luke 19:41-44

As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, ‘If you, even you, had only recognized on this day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. Indeed, the days will come upon you, when your enemies will set up ramparts around you and surround you and hem you in on every side. They will crush you to the ground, you and your children within you, and they will not leave within you one stone upon another; because you did not recognize the time of your visitation from God.’

Imagine that you are standing beside Jesus looking at the view of Jerusalem, and he begins to weep. What is it like to be near him as sheds these tears?

Which feelings do you think were present for the Lord in this moment?

Perhaps you can join Jesus in his lament by naming a place in the world which causes you to feel sorrow and anguish. Can you recognise the strength of your feelings for this place and for the people who live there?

As you listen to the reading again, notice what impact the passion expressed in Jesus’ words has on you.

We know that following his weeping, Jesus continues his journey into Jerusalem, soon to be arrested… tried… then crucified.

As you stand with Jesus in prayer, is there anything you would like to say to him? Or perhaps you can just be close, without words.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.