Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: July 16, 2024

Date: Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  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.”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel for today recounts Jesus’ reproach of those who had witnessed his deeds and heard his teaching yet ignored or rejected his call for repentance and conversion. Jesus warns of judgment for those who reject the invitation to the Kingdom of God.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Have I hardened my heart to Jesus’ calls to me to change, to turn, to return?

Praying:

LORD, You sent your only begotten Son to dwell among us, to reveal your love for us through His wondrous deeds and through His teachings. May we open our minds, our hearts, and our very beings to your transformative and saving love for us. As we ponder Jesus’ example as well as His words, may we hear clearly the call to love You with all our being and to love one another. May we follow in Christ’s footsteps as we make our way home to life in abundance from You, through Christ, in the Spirit. Amen.