16 July, 2024 | Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time | Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

 Is 7:1-9

Gospel Mt 11:20-24

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 nether world.

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.”

Reflections:

 

God out of love for his lost children sent His only Son Jesus into this world in order to save them. But what if the people are not willing to listen to him, repent and be converted? Acceptance of his Word and repentance for their sins are prerequisites for salvation. By this alone one can be freed from eternal death and enter into friendship with God. Jesus had to reproach the people of Chorazin and Bethsaida for their failure to welcome him and to respond to his love. Do we respond to Jesus’ call to repentance and salvation?

Activity: 

How do I respond to Jesus’ love and invitation everyday?