75/ 16 My Monologues & Musings : (Lk 13: 31-35)
33 In any case, I must press on today and tomorrow and the next day—for surely no prophet can die outside Jerusalem!
34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’[a]”
34 “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. 35 Look, your house is left to you desolate. I tell you, you will not see me again until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.’[a]”
Dear Jesus,
You really did love Jerusalem, Didn't You?
Your parents brought you to the Temple for the first time as a baby boy, right, Lord?
They must have often told you how you were brought to the for the ritual offering and dedication. You must have heard from them about the things the good old Venerable Simeon spoke of you!
Then again your parents did take you a number of times, right?
The last pilgrimage along with your parents was made memorable as you were found missing, Don't you remember?
Then along with your disciples you made pilgrimage to Jerusalem at least thrice,
Right, Lord?
The Jewish as well as the Roman authorities were very hostile towards you, Right, Lord?
The City and the Temple were corrupt to the core. The worship, the Rituals, the Ceremonies, the Celebrations, and the many Feasts were devoid of inner spiritual and religious significance.
Almost everything was commercialised.
It was all money and power play.
It's sad state did pain you!
You wept over your beloved Jerusalem!
A Jersalem which was shrouded in the memories of Mount Moreah, of Mount Zion, of the city David and of theTemple built by Solomon!. Its desecration and decadence did cause your tears out, Right, Lord?
Dear Jesus,
In every sense Jerusalem and its Temple was and is symbolic of every human being. Just as the Temple is the dwelling place of the Triune God so are our human lives and human bodies,Right, Lord?
So am I, Am i not, Lord?
I am also a Temple of God!
The sorry state of my life very much resembles the corrupt Jerusalem and its Temple, Doesn't it?
Like the Temple in Jerusalem was corrupt so is the temple of my own little life.
Dear Jesus,
Just as you wept over Jerusalem,
You often weep over my life seeing its pathetic sinful state!
Despite being an elderly priest my prayers, my the celebration of Holy Eucharist and other Sacraments are often devoid of proper devotion and piety. Often they turn out to be shallow and empty rituals.
My everyday life and actions often counter witness my faith in you!
And you weep over me and over my life.
Not once but many a times, Right, Lord?
I am sorry! Very sorry!
I wish I had not caused you to weep!
I want for the rest of my life keep trying to make You smile on me and over my life!
Dear Jesus,
I bring before you:
Everyone of my loved ones.
Everyone of my enemies who were and are.
Everyone who loves as well as hates me.
Everyone whom I love and whom i hate.
Everyone who helps me and who don't.
Everyone whom i have lead astray.
Everyone who is sick and needs healing.
Everyone who is in despair and needs hope.
Every priest who is in need of prayers.
Everyone who has met with me!
Oh, Jesus, My Lord and My God,
I thank You,
I thank the Father,
I thank the Spirit,
For Your Unsolicited gift of life for me!
For Your Uncountable blessings for me!
For Your Unlimited Patience with me!
For Your Untold Forgiveness for me!
For Your Unflinching faith in me!
For Your Unfailing Hope in me!
For Your Unconditional Love of me!
Amen
JoAchen
Tuesday, 15th March, 2016
These Reflections are neither pure scientific exegesis nor are they any highly theological explanations. They are a sort of devotional musings and monologues mainly meant for my personal renewal and spiritual growth. They are a part of my journaling as a Prodigal Priest trying to make my pilgrimage back to the Home of our Heavenly Father. As I keep holding you in my prayers and I request you to include me in yours. Thank you!
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