Reflection for November 20 Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time: Luke 19:41-44

Gospel: Luke 19:41-44

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. For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against you; they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides.  

They will smash you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another within you because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.”

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Reflection:

Do we obey Jesus when He invites us to stop sinning, or when He gently urges us to avoid the people and places that lead us into sin? Many times, Jesus speaks to us through those closest to us—through a family member, a friend, or even through a life-changing event. In His loving wisdom, He uses these moments to guide us away from darkness and into His light.

During His earthly ministry, Jesus called people to repentance with clarity and compassion. Some opened their hearts to Him, but many chose to continue in their sinful way of life. By ignoring His invitation, they wrapped themselves in burdens they could have easily avoided if they had only listened.

When we look closely at our own journeys, we realize that we too have been lovingly warned, gently guided, and tenderly reminded to live clean and renewed lives. Time and again, God sends us grace-filled opportunities to let go of our sinfulness. But do we listen? Oftentimes, we do not. We follow the path of our own desires and allow ourselves to be influenced by forces that distance us from Jesus’ loving embrace.

Yet Jesus remains the truest friend we will ever have. He is our wisest adviser, our faithful companion, and our unfailing guide. When we listen to Him, we lose nothing and gain everything—peace, clarity, purpose, and the joy that only He can give.

Are we truly listening to Jesus, or are we still listening to the voices that lead us away from Him? – Marino J. Dasmarinas