Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Reflection: Matthew 11:20-24


Tuesday of the 15th Week in Ordinary Time – Matthew 11:20-24

Today’s Gospel is a difficult one to read.  Jesus’ instruction to his disciples is pretty disturbing. He denounces the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida for refusing to believe in Him and change their ways despite the wonders they had seen Him work.  Jesus tells his disciples that he has not come to bring peace; rather, he has come to bring the sword.  He also says that he has come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against a mother-in-law.  I wonder if he also planned to do the same for fathers-in-law and sons-in-law?

I wonder if Jesus is ever tempted to denounce us for not recognizing or appreciating the wonders he is working in our lives and in our world?  It is so easy to become jaded.  Do we see the many wonders Jesus is working in our world and our lives?  Do we even look for them?  Are we so anesthetized with our daily routine that our minds, eyes, and hearts are closed to the many wonders we receive every day?  If so, how sad that is!  There is so much goodness and beauty in people and in our world.  However, we need to have open eyes, minds, and hearts to truly see all this goodness!

Today, I invite you to keep your eyes and your heart open and awake.   If you do so, you likely will see many small miracles and great beauty.  What a wondrous gift to behold!  Be alert!  Be attentive!

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