Jesus began to reproach the towns
matthew 11:20
where most of his mighty deeds had been done,
since they had not repented.
Reflection
Jesus rebukes the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum for not repenting of their wrong ways when they have been witnesses to some of Jesus’ greatest miracles. He says that it will be more tolerable for two Gentile cities, Tyre and Sidon, on the day of judgment than for these Jewish towns.
Jesus’ words are harsh in the Gospel, but they should be. The people in these towns were witnesses to Jesus’ miracles – his clear power and divinity. Yet they did not repent of their wrongdoing. Today, we hear Jesus’ words and have the Church to guide us, but do we always listen and repent of our sins?
The truth has been revealed, and to ignore it can bring eternal consequences. The Church has given us the sacrament of Confession to regularly repent of our sins. Because we know what is expected of us to live a good Christian life, we are more culpable for our actions against it. In the face of Jesus’ mighty works in your life, will you repent and resolve to always follow him?
Saint of the Day
St. Bonaventure: 1221 – 1274
“Thy beauty astonishes the sun and the moon; the angelic powers serve and obey thee. By thy gentle touch the sick are healed: by thy rose-sweet fragrance the dead revive.”
Excerpt from The Psalter of the Blessed Virgin Mary, by St. Bonaventure
The Healing Word 