Thursday, 33rd Week in Ordinary Time
“You did not recognize the time of your visitation.”
In the Old Testament, visitation has two meanings. When God visits his people, either he announces good news or gives punishment. God visits Abraham to announce the birth of their long-awaited offspring. God visits Sodom and Gomorrah to punish the people for their sins.
Today’s gospel reading takes the second meaning. We are told, “As Jesus drew near Jerusalem, he saw the city and wept over it.” He wept because the inhabitants of Jerusalem have not recognized the time of their visitation. They ignore God’s presence in the person of Jesus. Now they will be punished for this through their enemies.
Are we keen about God’s visitation in our life? The Lord visits us in Word and Sacraments; he visits us in the teachings and liturgical celebrations of the Church; he visits and encounters us through people, especially the poor, the afflicted and the marginalized; he visits us and reveals himself through the signs of the times; he visits and touches us in unexpected ways. God is passionate and unrelenting in his quest for us. He wants to visit us all the time.
In light of this, there is one question we must ask: Do we allow the Lord to visit every aspect of our life? To renew and transform it is such a way that every aspect our life gives glory to God? Are we open and eager and excited about the Lord visiting us?
There is a scene in the beautiful book The Little Prince where the Fox tells the Little Prince how important it is to prepare for the coming or visit of someone you love. The Fox says to the Little Prince: “If you’d come at four o’clock in the afternoon, then at three o’clock I shall begin to be happy.” “I shall feel happier and happier as the hour advances.” “At four o’clock I shall already be worrying and jumping about… I shall know at what hour my heart is to be ready to greet you.” Is this how we feel when the Lord visits us?
Let us pray that we may always make the most out of God’s visitation in our life. Let us pray that we may welcome him and respond accordingly.
Parokya ni Osong 