Gospel: Mt 11:20-24
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.“REFLECTION:
Jesus reproaches the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum because of their hardheartedness. In spite of Jesus’ preaching and many miracles, the people remained in their sinful ways. Indifferent and unresponsive to his preaching, they simply refused to reform their lives. They are subsequently warned that a fate worse than that of Sodom will dawn on them, if they do not repent and persist in their wicked ways.
The warning is directed to us as well. We have received privileges and blessings and have experienced God’s goodness much more than the people of Sodom or Capernaum. For all that we have received and experienced, have we really been converted? The simple but genuine faith and religiosity of the poor and unlettered who have received less in life can put to shame those who have been blessed with much more but have taken these for granted.