July 15, 2014 - Reflection on the Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:20-24
20 “Then
he began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done,
since they had not repented.”
21
"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.”
22 “But I
tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment
than for you.”
23 “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.”
24 “But I
tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of
judgment than for you."”
Reflection:
REPROACH – to express disapproval of or
disappointment in (someone); WOE -
deep distress or misery, as from grief, wretchedness
Two
strong words from Jesus that could only have come from deep sadness over the
lack of change: what with all the good things we can count in our lives! It is an occasion for us to be uncomfortable
and ask compellingly: How have we enlivened the works of Jesus in our
lives? How have our privileges and
opportunities a vessel of Jesus’ loving for God’s creation – for others? for nature?
for humanity? Surely, we don’t
want these blessings come to naught in our person. We only have a lifetime chance to do so! How would our hearts respond if asked: How deep is Jesus’ sorrow be looking into our
lives? What strong words would he throw
at us?
St.
Ignatius himself didn’t waste the invitation to change, and what a change he
did make! His life’s work continued to
be meaningful for 458 years now and still counting. His is a worthy example of one who has
multiplied the wondrous deeds of Jesus that time itself could not
obstruct. Such is the joyous mystery of
love and refreshing sustenance for continuing the mission of the Church.
We,
too, are shown the same invitation. How
shall you respond?
1. What is making us hard to believe even
after the countless revelations of God’s goodness and love?
2. What more convincing does our Lord
need to make to move our hardened hearts?
3. What “reproaches” and “woes” in our
lives do we need to turn into “exultation (delight)” for Jesus?
Reflection by: Mr. Bong Villanueva
CLE Teacher
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