In the Zone

Readings for Thursday November 18, 2010

First Reading: Revelation 5:1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 149
Gospel: Luke 19:41-44


As 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. For the days are coming upon you when your enemies will raise a palisade against you; they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides. They will smash you to the ground and your children within you, and they will not leave one stone upon another within you because you did not recognize the time of your visitation.” (Lk. 19:41-44)

Have you ever heard anyone at work, school, or in sports say that they were "in the zone?" It is a very interesting concept to be in the zone, your focus and concentration are just so intense and you are only completely involved in what you are doing. I have had these moments at work before, and it just seems as though I am on fire and getting so much of my work done, and before I realize it my work day has just flown by. While being in the zone can be good and have its advantages at times, there is also a potential downfall to being in the zone ... you don't notice anything or anyone else around you.

I think that this is why Jesus was so saddened by the town that He came across in today's gospel reading. The people were so blinded to the truth, and they did not recognize the greatness that was among them. They did not accept Christ and His ways, and due to that they will have to face the consequences. Perhaps if they had been paying more attention and having more faith instead of being in their own "zone," they might of noticed that their savior was there present and wanting to be with them.

Unfortunately, we like the people of the past become so "in the zone" in our own lives that we do not recognize when God is calling out to us. It is also in these times that we are just so pre-occupied with ourselves that we forget about who and what are the most important things in our lives. While it is okay to be in the zone at times (especially if we are talking about our faith), let us always remember to take time each day to stop and just be with our Creator.

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. Lord, we pray for your will to be done in our lives and we ask for your forgiveness in the times that we stray. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.