Thursday, 33d Wk: "Jesus 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.

-- Lk 19:41-44

Jesus recalls the martyrdom of the prophets who had been put to death in Jerusalem. Nevertheless he persists in calling Jerusalem to gather around him: "How often would I have gathered your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you would not!" When Jerusalem comes into view he weeps over her and expresses once again his heart's desire: "Would that even today you knew the things that make for peace! But now they are hid from your eyes."

-- CCC 558