Just a very brief note of history to better understand today’s readings. In the second century before Christ, Israel was a small country sandwiched between Egypt and Syria. Alexander the Great had expanded Greek culture over a large section of the Mediterranean and beyond. At that time, many wealthy, urban Jews were opting to follow the cultural trends popular at the time by accepting Greek customs and even Greek religion. They abandoned many traditional Jewish customs and faith.
What a contrast we have in today’s readings. The first reading from Maccabees gives us the image of one sector of the Israelite population that was willing to give into the cultures that surrounded them and a second sector that saw the need to preserver in traditional Jewish practices, culture, and faith. This last group was able to discern the signs of the times and see that the encroaching foreign cultures and the laxity of their compatriots was leading to a loss of their relationship with God. Their conviction and fidelity were so strong that they organized a revolt and eventually reestablished the temple in Jerusalem.
In the Gospel this week we have been following Jesus on the road from Galilee to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, his Passion, and Resurrection. Jesus arrives to the outskirts of Jerusalem and is overlooking the city. In contrast to the attitude of faith and fidelity, the people of Israel, who Jesus sees from his outlook point, do not recognize Jesus as the Messiah. Their discernment and interpretation of the signs of the times have led them to concentrate on external rituals to the extent that they fail to recognize the Savior and what true faith is. There amid the initial formation of his triumphal joyous entry into Jerusalem, Jesus weeps and laments.
Discernment and reading of the sign of the times requires an openness to dialogue with the culture that surrounds us. This is not a surrender to the momentary cultural whims and customs, but rather a deep review of cultural norms. Then fortified with courage and fidelity comes the vocation to announce the presence of the Savior and the true path to new life. Jesus is always looking over us and our families as he looked over the city of Jerusalem that day. Will he lament or rejoice over how we have organized our society and individual lives?
If this day you only knew what makes for peace…
you did not recognize the time of your visitation.
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