November 17, 2022, Thursday of the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time-C ST. ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY, RELIGIOUS

Revelation 5:1-10

Psalm 149

Luke 19:41-44

I shed many tears because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to examine it.  Rev. 5:4

Jesus saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If this day you only knew what makes for peace…’’ Lk 19:42

Lord, we shed tears for many reasons. John shed tears because in his vision he could not see anyone who could open the scroll that contained the Good News of salvation. You wept out of compassion due to the suffering your people would receive when their glorious Jerusalem and your Father’s temple would be destroyed by the Romans some 30 or so years in the future. Both readings foretell that you would open the scroll as a sacrificial lamb on the cross for the redemption of mankind. You knew that the rejection of your people of who you were and the refusal to repent would both lead to the destruction of their city and their failure to accept the redemption you offered them. You desire all people to be saved and enter into eternal life. Sadly, today many still refuse to accept the Good News and your offer of life. But we are not without hope because as St. Paul tells us where sin abounds, grace abounds even more.  You are still in control, hope in a glorious future with you is ahead. Lord, I am joyful because you have called me to be your disciple.  St. Elizabeth, pray for us.  Amen.