REFLECTIONS TODAY
Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum are towns forming a triangle on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee (Lake Tiberias). It is here that Jesus has been most active, and the miracles revealing his divine power are prominent here.
Capernaum is given special mention, with Jesus elevating it to the rank of “his own town” (Mt 9:1). Jesus’ miracles have been an invitation for the people of these towns to reflect, recognize God’s will and make it central in their lives, and open their hearts to repentance. But they fail to meet the conditions involved in God’s offer of grace and are thus threatened with severe judgment.
The pagan cities of Tyre and Sidon would probably have repented if given the same grace, just like the Ninevites at the preaching of Jonah.
First Reading • Jb 38:1, 12-21; 40:3-5
The Lord addressed Job out of the storm and said: Have you ever in your lifetime commanded the morning and shown the dawn its place for taking hold of the ends of the earth, till the wicked are shaken from its surface? The earth is changed as is clay by the seal, and dyed as though it were a garment; but from the wicked the light is withheld, and the arm of pride is shattered. Have you entered into the sources of the sea, or walked about in the depths of the abyss? Have the gates of death been shown to you, or have you seen the gates of darkness? Have you comprehended the breadth of the earth? Tell me, if you know all: Which is the way to the dwelling place of light, and where is the abode of darkness, That you may take them to their boundaries and set them on their homeward paths? You know, because you were born before them, and the number of your years is great!
Then Job answered the Lord and said: Behold, I am of little account; what can I answer you? I put my hand over my mouth. Though I have spoken once, I will not do so again; though twice, I will do so no more.
Gospel • Luke 10:13-16
Jesus said to them, “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, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum, ‘Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.’ Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.