Daily Reflection – 7/16/19
Sacred Scripture
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 netherworld. 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.”(Matthew 11: 20-24)
Reflection
Today’s Gospel is a difficult one to read.
The disciples of Jesus have just returned from their missionary journeys. Jesus is disappointed that some of the villages did not accept the Gospel preached to them. Jesus speaks to three cities in which he is especially disappointed because some of Jesus’ greatest miracles were performed in these cities, but the message was not accepted.
The reason Jesus is so disappointed is not that they would not believe but that they refused to have repentance for their lives. The language Jesus uses here is harsh because these people do not see their need for repentance. The miracles were a call to reformation. Jesus reminds these peoples it is not possessions that make one great but that their names are written in the Book of Life. Jesus gave these people the knowledge of the Father.
The gospel challenges us to make a proactive response to God’s presence in our lives. God is doing wonders in our lives every day. Are we aware of all his blessings? Are they helping us to change our lives? To what extent are we listening to God’s word? How much of it do we try to understand? And how much of it is reflected in our lifestyle? Are we clearly and obviously followers of Christ and his Way?
I wonder if Jesus is ever tempted to question us for not recognizing or appreciating the wonders he is working in our lives and in our world? It is so easy to become jaded. Do we see the many wonders Jesus is working in our world and our lives? Do we even look for them? Or are we so anesthetized with our daily routine that our minds, eyes and hearts are closed to the many wonders in our world? If so, how sad that is! There is so much goodness and beauty in people and in our world. However, we need to have open eyes, minds and hearts to truly see all this goodness! To do that means that we must have the courage to allow God to enter into our lives and seek his help.
Prayer of The Day
Dear God, we pray that You keep reminding us our purpose for which You created us. Give us strength to overcome the worldly temptations which can make us drift from Your Holy Will for us. Amen.
Daily Note
Our true quality of life does not depend upon income, but rather on our expenses, how much we gave; that is, how we loved. We must come out ahead every single day. Otherwise the day is a loss. A little love produces an abundance of gratitude and understanding. Love is paid in full only with love. We should always strive for positive earnings – to be loved. Are we faithful to our personal commitments with the Lord? Do I know what the Lord demands from me today? Have I put myself in my neighbor’s place and am I willing to give until it hurts? Life is all about grace, and what I do with what the Lord generously gives to me. How do I respond to the Lord’s voice? Listen carefully because “If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”
