What Jesus describes happened in 70 A.D.—Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans. Since it is never mentioned in Luke, or in Acts (also by Luke), scholars indicate the text may likely be written in the early 60s A.D.
Such weeping contrasts with the grateful joy recalled in today’s feast when Joachim and Anne brought their daughter, Mary, to the Temple in Jerusalem to consecrate her to the Lord. This story of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from a 2nd-century text, has been a feast of the Universal Church since the 16th century.
Mary’s life began giving her parents joy; her life came to include both the joy of Jesus’ birth and the terrible grief of watching her son be crucified.
My prayer Lord Jesus, you have visited and redeemed your people. May I not miss the grace of your visitation today as you move to bring your people into greater righteousness and holiness of life. Purify my heart and mind that I may I understand your ways and conform my life more fully to your will." Amen
Patricia, thank you for this reflection. I have had blessings & I have had losses, & both Jesus & Mary can empathize. I only have strength because of them! "Truly, matters in the world are in a bad state, but if you & I begin in earnest to reform ourselves, a really good beginning will have been made." St. Peter of Alcantara
*******Jesus, You know all that has happened, is happening and will happen! You told them, and You remind us! That’s why You went to the cross to give us the choice to receive the gift of eternal Salvation! I’m grateful and thankful! You are worthy of our praise ♥️✝️♥️ *** Matthew 24:2, “ “Do you see all these things?” Jesus asked. “What I’m about to tell you is true. Not one stone here will be left on top of another. Every stone will be thrown down.” *** Luke 21:6, “Do you see all this? The time will come when not one stone will be left on top of another. Every stone will be thrown down.” *** What else did Jesus tell us in Scripture???
Patricia thanks you for those words of encouragement. Knowing we are not alone helps to get through the days. I need to remember to relax enough to hear and feel their presence. Something I'm not very good at these days. Blessings to all the LFF! May all those with extra needs be held and helped today for strength to make it through the hard times. May we all feel Gods love and peace and share through all the world.
Beautiful thought. Thank you Patricia.
AMEN!
Amen!
“Mother, I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” (From the surrender novena) Continued prayers for all LF family.
Thank you Patricia for those very comforting words that in our weeping or our rejoicing Jesus is with us and understands our feelings.
Thank you Patricia. Mary lived our sorrows and our joys and knows them well. May she continue to aid us in our afflictions. Blessings to the LFF today. Amen.
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen
It’s not hard to imagine now “Jesus sees our nation and he is weeping over it.” We have rejected his teachings to live at peace with the people around us. (This last sentence was taken from another meditation.)
Amen!
Amen.
Amen.
Amen
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Please pray for my mum. Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of difficult cases, of things almost despaired of, Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Intercede with God for me that He bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly - (make your request here) - and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, O Blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen