The Mourning over the Fall of Jerusalem

Reflection on Today's Readings, 12th Week in Ordinary Time Year II, Saturday 27th June, 2020
Texts: Lam. 2:2.10-14.18-19; Ps. 74: 1-7.20-21; Matt. 8:5-17
Jerusalem had fallen and today's first reading was a mourning over the fall. This is a kind of mourning that is from a contrite heart. They now acknowledged their sins and iniquities.
They knew they had fallen away from God's mercy but had not lost trust in his compassion and forgiveness. Their fall made them to realize that only God could save them. The reading says, "For vast as the sea is your ruin; who can save you?" The answer is given this: "Arise, cry out in the night, at the beginning of the watches! Pour out your heart like water in the presence of the Lord! Lift your hands to him for the lives of your children, who faint for hunger at the head of every street". This is a call to return to God for salvation.
Today's gospel shows Jesus Christ as the one who has come to pay for our sins and iniquities so as to return us to God. Jesus Christ has come to heal us and save us from the power of the devil that might have held us captive. We participate in the salvation brought by Jesus Christ through faith in him. It is through faith that we experience his loving touch and accept his words. In the gospel, Jesus healed by touch and drove out evil spirit with a word. His touch heals and saves; at his word, devil flees.

Lord Jesus, inspire in us a contrite heart and faith that bring healing and deliverance. Amen.

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke