We were running behind as we headed for the theater. When we arrived several minutes late, the usher said, “sorry, the play has started, and no one is allowed in until intermission time.” Like it or not we had to honor the starting time that the theater had set. So, we sat in the lobby frustrated and disappointed.
Think about how unsettling it is when someone tells you, “sorry, you’re too late.”
Today when we read the gospel story we get a graphic picture of how Jesus dealt with a “too late” situation (Luke 19:41-44). He was drawing near to Jerusalem for the last time, and he realized there was no more hope that the people would change and accept his message. The “door to the theater” of God’s gift was closed.
“As he 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.’”
And, they, by and large, were not all that interested. They preferred “business as usual.” He was so emotionally devastated that he wept. Jesus loved this people and it tore his heart to realize that the open door was now closing.
Knowing the future, Jesus explained his grief:
“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…”
No wonder Jesus wept! He realized the horrible events that were just around the corner. Had this society repented and listened to God’s Son, their future would have been one of peace rather than war. They didn’t realize that by ignoring Jesus, they were passing up their only hope. The “door of the theater” had been wide open to them, and now God’s ushers were closing it tightly.
Jesus went on to explain that these days of disaster would come
“…because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.”
We know, of course, that a small group of disciples did recognize this time of God’s visitation. They mourned his death and stuck together until the Holy Spirit was poured out upon them on the day of Pentecost. At that time God opened a new door for the world and made his kingdom available again for those who repented and accepted the risen Jesus into their lives.
How do you think a disciple of Jesus felt in the year 70 A.D. when the prophecy of Jesus came true? When they heard about the violent destruction of the holy city, do you think they regretted that they recognized the day of God’s visitation and became part of the community of believers?
Pope St. John Paul II announced to the world that the Holy Spirit was bringing in a “New Pentecost” followed by a “New Evangelization.” An age of divine visitation is upon the earth. The Holy Spirit is moving quickly and dramatically. How many recognize this new day and respond to this moment of grace? As Jesus begins to make his return, what are his feelings as he looks upon the earth? Is Jesus weeping again?
Pope Francis wrote a powerful encyclical, The Joy of the Gospel. In it he told all Christians that we are evangelists. Each of us is called to go out into the world and proclaim the “New Evangelization.” It is the Popes’ job to announce it, and it is our job to carry it out. How well am I doing bringing the message of hope to the piece of the world where I have been positioned?
Let us remember that there is no time to waste. A time will come when the doors to the theater will close, and, then, it will be too late.
“The Lamb has made us a kingdom of priests to serve our God” (today’s response to Psalm 149).
