Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today’s Reflection
Gospel: Mt 11: 20-24
July 18, 2023 | Tuesday
Then Jesus began to denounce the cities in which he had performed most of his miracles, because the
people there did not change their ways. “Alas for you Chorazin and Bethsaida! If the miracles worked in you had taken place in Tyre and Sidon, the people there would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I assure you, for Tyre and Sidon; it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you.
And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to heaven? You will be thrown down to the place of the dead! For if the miracles which were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would still be there today! But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
Today’s Reflection:
In the gospel, Jesus criticizes three Galilean cities – Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum – for their failure to respond correctly with repentance to Jesus’ miracles that had been performed in them or within their vicinities. The severity of the Jesus’ reprimands may come as a shock of cold water thrown at the people. Here, Jesus, Himself warns us about the consequences of our unfaithful ways. This, in a way, was Jesus’ way of preparing us for an even greater rejection— His own rejection by the people. From this, let us also reflect on this question: At present, how do we welcome words of correction from our elders and mentors? /Vulnerasti, 2023
