November 19, Friday Weekday

How sweet to my taste is promise! — Psalm 119:103

Mass reading: Revelation 10:8-11 / Luke 19:45-48 

The Heart of the Matter 

I’m captivated by the details on the periphery of today’s Gospel story: “And every day he was teaching in the temple area. . . . All the people were hanging on his words.” For a moment I am transported to Jerusalem 2,000 years ago. Would I have been hanging on Jesus’ words? Or would I have been on the side of the doubters? 

I’d like to think my imaginary interlude doesn’t have real-life applications. But the fact is that too often, as I sit in my pew up front, the familiar words of Jesus pour over me and run right off my back. I’ve heard it all before. Nothing seems to stick. Today I want to hear His words as if for the first time, as if I’m in that temple with Jesus right before me.  

Prayer: You have the words of everlasting life, Lord. Help me to listen with my heart.