MERCIFUL REBUKE - 7/12/22 (Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time)

Matthew 11:20-21a

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 the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071222.cfm

For more information on Catholic miracles, click here:

https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/the-gift-of-miracles

For the examination of conscience and guide to confession, click here:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Blessed Tuesday! God desires for us to convert. He desires for us to repent of our sins and to do His will. Why does He want this? It's not because He's a controlling God. Rather, following His commandments and teachings will give us true happiness and everlasting life. We are made to be united with the Lord. As such, when we do the opposite such as committing sins, we are harming ourselves. Sins darken our intellect and keep us far from the Lord. We will not have peace in our hearts and souls, especially by committing grave sins. And, a person who engages in these grave sins endanger their souls to eternal damnation while people who follow the Lord choose eternal life. 

This is why Jesus comes to us. He preached the gospel for the people to repent of their sins and come back to Him. He even provided proof for the authenticity of His teachings by performing mighty deeds or miracles. The miracles are invitations for us to change besides showing the authenticity of the teachings of Christ and the Catholic Church. Above, you will see a link that provides some examples of Catholic miracles that are verified even by modern science. And yet, people continued with their sinful ways. Even today, the culture no longer listens to the Lord when it comes to what is morally good or not. Society is becoming more confused with marriage and sexuality instead of listening to the clear voice of the Lord in the Catholic Church despite all of the miracles that God performs even in the modern times. 

As seen in the gospel reading, Jesus told the towns, “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!” For others, hearing these words seems harsh. But, Jesus speaks of the truth, and He speaks with mercy. He is rebuking the people out of His love for us. He offers His Precious Blood and Infinite Mercy, but despite the signs, wonders and people's conscience, many still do not commit themselves to the Lord. Although it's true that God may invite us gently, there are times that He is firm. When we commit grave sins, we may feel sadness after experiencing the satisfaction of sins. We may recognize that God is rebuking us. But, let's not fall to despair because His Words are always merciful. All that God desires is to save us from the bad things we are doing to ourselves due to sins. 

Due to the hardness of the hearts, some people are not open even to look at the miracles in the Catholic Church. Some would  desire to remain in the stage of denial. Even for believers, we may try to hide our own feelings because we are hurt when we see our imperfections. But, the Lord is always patient with us. Even at the last moment, He is calling us to turn to Him. Let's allow His love to soften our hearts. God is not angry with us because He is our Merciful Savior who waits for us, especially in the sacrament of confession. Only in Him can we find true peace. His rebuke is a sign of His love. He always remembers us and our needs. May we repent of our sins and remember Him who provides strength to do His will as we recognize our weaknesses. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic