
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 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. And as for you, Capernaum:
Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the nether world.
For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you."
The Gospel of the Lord.
REFLECTION: Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you Bethsaida!
What a reprimand!!!!!
Jesus came for a mission--to save us from our sinful selves and to bring us back to God.
Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum were known as "The Evangelical Triangle". Jesus started his ministry in that area. He preached and laid his foundation there. Many of his disciples came from Bethsaida He performed the miracles of loaves and fishes. and the healing of the blind man in Bethsaida, hometown of Peter, Andrew and Philip. He preached the sermon on the mount close to Bethsaida.
In Capernaum he healed the centurion's servant. He also healed the paralyzed man who was lowered via a hole in the roof. Chorazin was north of Galilee and many miracles were also performed there. Everywhere he went he performed mighty deeds to show the people how much God could do for them. He forgave sins and healed many people.
Jesus was met with indifference--no change in the actions of the people. Why would Jesus choose this area for the start of his ministry? All three were Jewish cities contrasted to the many Gentiles living around the lake and in the Galilee area--. Remember, Jesus came for Israel.
How are these cities different from Tyre, Sidon and Sodom? Tyre, Sidon and Sodom did not see God's good works nor his miracles BUT Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum did and yet they did nothing to change. Tyre, Sidon and Sodom did not see the King of the Universe walk with them BUT Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum did walk with God and did benefit from his miracles and yet, …..they refused him. Tyre, Sidon and Sodom knew no better, BUT Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum did.
There was no change of heart nor change of lifestyle. Jesus was angered at the effects of sin on these people. He had chosen them, yet they chose not HIM. We, too, can choose not to follow as well the teachings of God. The people of Tyre, Sidon and Sodom did not see God's good works but the Galilee area did and so do we. Yet many of us dishonor our Lord.
Jesus does not mince words--REPENT and you will be Saved. CHANGE your ways !!!! OBEY my commandments and you will be SAVED. BELIEVE in me and TRUST in my righteousness, holiness, graces and follow my ways and GIVE UP your evil ways.
Many people believe that as long as they profess love for Jesus and believe that we are saved, that we are okay. Why do we have to go out of our way to be pious and holy? Is it not enough to show up at church every Sunday? We are the same as God's chosen people--they were chosen, we are chosen; they had the Torah, we have the bible. Everyone of us, Jewish or Christian has to be accountable for our actions. Are we ready to be held accountable for our action?
PRAYER: Dear Lord, we have been warned by you. Please bring us good priests to corral the wayward sheep and to set us on the right path. If we fail to be true to you and your word, you will surely judge us and our judgment will exceed that of pagans who know no better.
Amen
Please pray for priests to be on fire for God.
God Bless.