July 13, 2010
Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
By Beth DeCristofaro
Jesus began to reproach the towns … "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. (Matthew 11: 20-22)
Piety
God of repentance, you call all people to listen attentively to the good news of Jesus and to be converted from their old lives of sin to the new life he offers. Open our hearts to hear his preaching. Through our witness of his mighty deeds move us to authentic repentance of mind and heart. May we not be judged harshly but experience the depths of your mercy and love. We ask this through Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
(From Day by Ordinary Day with Matthew, Fr. Mark G. Boyer, p. 123)
Study
My grandfather died when I was 16. He was a big man, large in size and personality and we kids adored him. He was a retired Army Colonel who spent three years rebuilding destroyed railroads in Europe as the Allies advanced to end World War II. He was tough, blunt and I heard words out of his mouth that I didn’t understand and that no one would explain. One of the phrases that still resounds in my memory was when he bellowed (he never spoke quietly except in church) “Come here! Who dropped these toys behind their behind? Come, now, pick these up!” And the guilty party came running…the rest of us usually hid.
However, within a few minutes, as his quick moving temper subsided, one or more of us would edge up to him, pressed against him for the hug, the joke, the new wonder or chore he would let us help him with in the garden. He planted beds of pansies that were as brightly colored as circus tents. I still miss his laughter and his tenderness wrapped in gruff man-speak that was saved especially for his grandchildren.
Grandad did not let us get away with laziness. He believed that taking care of what you had was important. Jesus’ sharp reproaches are to people who had chosen wickedness over God’s covenant. Jesus does not let them get away with laziness either. To fall into the ways of their pagan neighbors was to court disaster, just as in Isaiah, the Chosen People courted disaster by their turn to idols. Jesus wants these people to take care of what they have which was the opportunity for salvation. The images of Tyre and Sidon speak not only to the extent of the evil they have chosen but what their fate will look like if they do not repent.
Jesus holds out the hope of repentance. There is always forgiveness available just as with my grandfather there was always warm, protective loving even after the storm of his anger.
Action
In what way have I chosen to live as a resident of Tyre or Sidon? What must I repent? Confess, turn back, make amends, and choose another way to live. It is my choice which God gives freely.
