A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 11:20-24)
Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.”
In today’s Gospel, Jesus reproaches the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for their lack of repentance. Despite witnessing his mighty works, they fail to believe in him. His response highlights the seriousness of rejecting his message and is a reminder of the consequences of unbelief. Today’s reading also makes clear the responsibility of people and communities to respond to the message of Jesus and to embrace the gift of salvation he offers. As the Cathechism of the Catholic Church says, “Believing in Jesus Christ and in the One who sent him for our salvation is necessary for obtaining that salvation.”
God, the words from today’s Gospel were spoken long ago to people in a specific time and place in history. Yet, I want to resist the conclusion that the importance of Jesus’ judgment is relegated to the past. How clearly Jesus calls for repentance, not for the sake of punishment but to draw me to him. The mighty deeds Jesus had done were enough to wake them up and see his divinity. Even more is the burden on me to return to you with my whole heart, believing in his death and resurrection and partaking of his body and blood in the Eucharist. Help me take seriously the words of your Son.
From the Gospel acclamation: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” Lord, give me the grace today to hear your voice, repentant and desiring to return to you with my whole heart.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.