By Philip Raj csc.
Readings: 1Macc 2: 15-29; Lk 19: 41-44
The readings of the day invite us to burn our hearts with zeal for the Lord and to be faithful to his commands. In the first reading Mattathias and his family stood firm in their faith in following the commandments of the Lord. For them, the commandments of the Lord were more precious than gold and silver, and they were willing to risk their lives to remain faithful to God’s commandments.
In the gospel reading Jesus weeps over Jerusalem, which is a symbolic representation of the future family of faith (followers of Christ). Jesus knew that many people would reject him, and it made him grieve deeply. People lacked faith in Jesus though they witnessed many signs and miracles still they refused to believe in Jesus. “Faith is more a response to God’s initiative who revealed himself in Jesus Christ than a human effort to reach God”. (Spring of Living Water: Herve Morissette, Pg-319).
Today’s saint Clement I, who was the first apostolic father of the Church stood firm in what he believed and laid down his very life for the sake of his faith. When we have strong faith in Jesus, we are also called to suffer martyrdom, at least to put to death the things like selfish ambitions, hatred, greed, dishonesty, and idleness. Love for the Lord enables us to be the bearers of hope and joy.