Reading
Matthew 11:20-24
20 Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted to the heavens? No, you will go down to Hades. For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. 24 But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
Comment
Jesus' words to the cities that did not accept him express pain for their rejection of divine love rather than resentment.
Corazin and Bethsaida were villages on the lake of Gennesaret which, together with Capernaum, mentioned later (v. 23), had seen the wonders performed by Jesus, yet they had not converted.
Tire and Sidon were pagan cities on the shores of the Mediterranean, known for their iniquity (Gl 4:4-7); their destruction had already been prophesied by the prophet Ezekiel (Ez 26-28).
Capernaum, chosen by Jesus as his place of residence, will face a harsher condemnation than the other cities. There is no evidence in the Gospels of a hostility towards Jesus on the part of the inhabitants of Capernaum. His indifference, therefore, represents a greater sin than the wickedness of Sodom and Gomorrah.
We who have the written testimony of Christ in our hands and who live under the dispensation of the Spirit have advantages no less than those of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, and our responsibility before God will be judged accordingly.
The Lord passes. Do we recognize him? None of us will be able to escape the confrontation with the Truth, which has become a living word.
Prayer
Warm our hearts, o Lord, so that sheltered from indifference, we can love you fervently and recognize your presence in our lives. Amen.
- Rev. Dr. Luca Vona
