Today we read in Luke that as Jesus rides into the city of Jerusalem, he sees the crowds cheering him and what he represents. Yet when he encounters the leaders and those in the temple, Jesus begins to weep and gets angry. Why would Jesus weep for the city? Because despite his attempts to show the people, including the leaders, THE WAY, they went their own way. Moses encountered the same stubbornness with the Hebrews many centuries earlier.

If you are a parent of a school-aged child, especially in middle and high school, you know the pressures they encounter. Bullying, self-esteem, dating, substance use, social media, and high grades are almost too much. You try to teach them right from wrong, but they do not want to listen; they know better than you and, “you don’t understand!” As a parent, you might weep for your children, hoping that one day they, “get it.” Jesus sees Jerusalem as his city that has not learned, his children that have ignored his teachings on peace, love, and forgiveness. He is left to pray for them. Our Lord will echo this later on the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”

What can I do to avoid conflict and instead promote peace?

Lord, help me to run away from gossip and hurtful words and instead embrace your loving peace in my heart! Amen.