July 17, 2018

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.”

Reflections
The people there did not change their ways How do we reconcile the image of the compassionate Jesus who heals the sick and forgives the sinner with that of the wrathful Jesus who denounces the people of Chorazin and Bethsaida? Anger is not always antithetical to love. Many times, anger is due to love. We are angered by the actions of people we care for. Jesus’ anger toward his people was rooted in his deep love for them. Nonetheless, his love did not diminish. In dealing with the woman caught in adultery, he clearly distinguished the sin from the sinner. The sin he condemned; the sinner he forgave.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2018