Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the
Church
Gospel of 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!.."
Woe to you, Mr. or Ms.! Jesus is not at all happy. People who've seen his marvelous miracles still refuse to repent. They are stuck in their own ways and customs. They refuse to listen and obey. Jesus warns them that their lives won't end any better at the time of judgment. In fact, they may lose a chance to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Their words, actions and deeds do not match up with what is expected of them as Christians.
Woe to the city! Crime, corruption, prostitution, drug abuse, illegal sex trade, and other abuses are rampant in many cities across America. Innocent lives are ruined in the process. Obviously, evil is more desirable than good. Money, fame, and political clout more important than poverty, humility, and charity. The city's doors shut at the mention of God. It's closed for business when it comes to listening and following the Way, the Truth, and the Life. How can we turn the city around? How can we make it a good and decent place to live? Why do we continue to accept crime and corruption as the norm? It's time to shake up the modern-day city and stand up for what is good! Continue to pray and continue to work to end the evil abuses so prominent in city government.
Woe to Relief! With all of the warnings of woe, there's a chance at relief. Repent from our evil ways. Foster goodness in our minds and hearts. Discover ways to help others where they don't need a life of crime or prostitution to make ends meet. Discover ways to keep corruption out of our city governments. Elect officials who are ethical and live with integrity. Most important of all is to remember that God remains in our midst. Pray for his guidance. He's very willing to help us when asked. But, when we turn our backs to him we say to him that we can make it on our own. Why be self-serving when we can be selfless?
Personally, I don't want to live a life of woes but live a life with options: An option for happiness and love. An option for peace and harmony. An option to believe that Christ will change circumstances that may not be so great. Evil is powerless under God's control. Repentance is the key to relief!
-J.
Woe to you, Mr. or Ms.! Jesus is not at all happy. People who've seen his marvelous miracles still refuse to repent. They are stuck in their own ways and customs. They refuse to listen and obey. Jesus warns them that their lives won't end any better at the time of judgment. In fact, they may lose a chance to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Their words, actions and deeds do not match up with what is expected of them as Christians.
Woe to the city! Crime, corruption, prostitution, drug abuse, illegal sex trade, and other abuses are rampant in many cities across America. Innocent lives are ruined in the process. Obviously, evil is more desirable than good. Money, fame, and political clout more important than poverty, humility, and charity. The city's doors shut at the mention of God. It's closed for business when it comes to listening and following the Way, the Truth, and the Life. How can we turn the city around? How can we make it a good and decent place to live? Why do we continue to accept crime and corruption as the norm? It's time to shake up the modern-day city and stand up for what is good! Continue to pray and continue to work to end the evil abuses so prominent in city government.
Woe to Relief! With all of the warnings of woe, there's a chance at relief. Repent from our evil ways. Foster goodness in our minds and hearts. Discover ways to help others where they don't need a life of crime or prostitution to make ends meet. Discover ways to keep corruption out of our city governments. Elect officials who are ethical and live with integrity. Most important of all is to remember that God remains in our midst. Pray for his guidance. He's very willing to help us when asked. But, when we turn our backs to him we say to him that we can make it on our own. Why be self-serving when we can be selfless?
Personally, I don't want to live a life of woes but live a life with options: An option for happiness and love. An option for peace and harmony. An option to believe that Christ will change circumstances that may not be so great. Evil is powerless under God's control. Repentance is the key to relief!
-J.
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