Readings: Isaiah 7:1-9, Ps. 48:2-8, Matthew 11:20-24
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! for if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.” (Matthew 11:21)
Jesus is disappointed with the cities where many of His miracles happened. They were happy to receive miracles but unwilling to give up their sinful ways. They had faith, strong enough for signs and wonders, but lacked faith powerful enough to ensure their repentance from sin. Does this reflect the condition of your Christian life? Hear what Jesus says: “It shall be more tolerable on the day of judgement for the land of Sodom than for you.” (Matthew 11:24).
- To whom much is given, much is expected. Sodom and Gomorrah were not lucky to have Jesus Christ preach to them, yet they perished. Today, we listen to Jesus daily. These towns did not have the privilege of social media; there was no printing press back then; access to the Bible was a luxury many couldn’t afford. I have social media. I receive sermons on my phone every day. I have instant access to the Bible anytime I want. I even have apps that can read the Bible to me all day. What is my excuse for not repenting from my sins? Why am I not making a positive impact in my world? Why is there still darkness in my life?
- Just as God expected more from the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, He expects much more from us. If the people who lived in Chorazin in the time of Jesus were to visit the world today, what would they say about our latest technology? We are living in an age of miracles. We have too many signs and wonders to show that God truly loves us, but we take them for granted. How do we show appreciation to God for His uncountable blessings? Disbelief, ingratitude, greed and disobedience to God’s commands. Instead of seeing God’s hand in our lives, we only notice our problems and even get angry with God for not solving them all at once.
- In today’s first reading, we see a great miracle unfold. At this time, Ahaz was king of Judah, and he heard that the kings of Syria had allied with the king of Israel and were coming to wage war against Jerusalem. Ahaz was shaken with fear because he had no military might. Ahaz didn’t know that God was greater than all the armies of the world combined. When we are afraid of our enemies, it is a sign of a deep-seated lack of appreciation for God, who has been protecting us without us even knowing it. Fear signals the absence of trust in God’s ability to ward off our enemies regardless of their threats.
- Ahaz did not pray to God because He expected the worst to happen. God sent Isaiah, the prophet, to tell the king that there was no need to be afraid. Isaiah told Ahaz, “If you do not believe, you shall not be established.” Your faith, not your weapons, will establish you. If you trust physical weapons or sophisticated security systems, you will agree that they will never be enough. You will always shake like Ahaz unless you put your faith in God. In other words, your greatest weapon is faith in God. Jesus told us to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, and this implies repentance from sins that hinder our prayers and attract God’s wrath.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, grant us the grace of true repentance. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Tuesday of week 15 in Ordinary Time Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Isaiah 7:1-9, Ps. 48:2-8, Matthew 11:20-24).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu