REFLECTIONS TODAY
The “mighty deeds” (Greek dunameis, biblical term for “miracles”) worked out by Jesus are deeds manifesting divine power. They demonstrate that Jesus has messianic authority. More so, they are outstanding signs of the coming of the Kingdom. Thus, the proper response to the mighty deeds should have been the same as the response called by the preaching of the Kingdom, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” (Mt 3:2; 4:17). However, the mighty deeds and the proclamation fell on deaf ears.
The Galilean towns (Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum) favored with the grace of Jesus’ mighty deeds have not repented, that is, have not accepted the miracles as signs of the coming Kingdom. If these miracles have been done in pagan cities (Tyre, Sidon, and Sodom), they would have imitated Nineveh’s reaction to Jonah’s preaching, that is, they would have put on signs of mourning and repentance: sackcloth and ashes (Jon 3:6). True faith in Jesus is characterized by a change of heart, a choice for God. What returns do you give to the Lord for all the good things he has done for you?
Gospel • Matthew 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 netherworld.
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.”
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.