Word to the Wise
Tuesday, July 12, 2016 - Tuesday in the 15th Week in Ordinary Time
[Isa 7:1-9 and Matt 11:20-24]Jesus began to reproach the town where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented....[Matthew]
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2016 TUESDAY IN THE FIFTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
[Isaiah 7:1-9 and Matthew 11:20-24]
Jesus began to reproach the town where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented....[Matthew]
In dormitories everywhere, students will put something on the door to their rooms to make some kind of statement. This was true in my time as a Dominican student brother (seminarian). One of the brothers on the hall had a small sign on his door that read: "REPENT!"* The asterisk was referenced below in smaller print: "If you have already repented, kindly disregard this message." Today's gospel passage brought that sign to memory.
The villages mentioned in the gospel, Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum, were places where Jesus had spent time and energy evangelizing and working "mighty deeds." It is clear that they had not gotten the message and had not repented. Jesus' frustration shows in the text. Capernaum would have been especially galling because that is where Jesus chose to live when he began his public ministry. He compares it unfavorably with the notorious Sodom of Old Testament times! Strong stuff!
But this is not just ancient news. The gospels tell the story of subsequent preaching by telling the story of Jesus' preaching. Christianity has been around for more than 2,000 years and there are millions and millions who reject it no matter what "mighty deeds" occur. There are millions and millions who do accept it, and, it remains their task (ours) to continue to witness to the faith. Some will repent. Others will disregard the message. There will be frustration. We will be in good company! AMEN
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