Meditation Minute

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Today is the feast day of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, virgin and doctor of the Church.

“Will you be exalted to heaven?”

Gospel Reading: Luke 10:13-16

Jesus said to them, “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, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum, ‘Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.’ Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”

If Jesus were to visit our community, what would he say? Would he be happy about what he sees? If he visited your school, would he praise the activities of the students? If he visited our church, would he complement us or, would he issue the same warnings he gave Chorazin and Bethsaida. Jesus’ mission was to go out to the communities and present the Word of Good. He traveled from community to community preaching the Good News, healing the sick and performing miracles before the people. Jesus was upset at Chorazin and Bethsaida because they were indifferent to his message and the signs which he gave them. The message is simple, we need to repent to our sinful ways. We not only need to listen to the word of God, but we are called into action. We are called to change. When we hear the Gospel on Sunday, we must be willing to put into action the words that we heard. The Word of God, the Good News should alter our life, it should shower us with grace and give the energy we need to implement change. To initiate change, we must be open to message to allow these graces to work within us. The Gospels are life-giving words that save us from eternal destruction. They bring us closer to God. The Gospel is the light which will leads us to the narrow gate of heaven. Through the words of Christ, we can find salvation. Jesus was upset because Chorazin and Bethsaida ignored his teaching. His anger was directed at their sinful way and the lack of concern for their salvation. He was angry out of love, not hatred. He loved them so much he does not want them to destroy their souls. He wants us all to join him in the Kingdom of Heaven. Do you hear the word of God or are you indifferent? Take time today to reflect on that question. Take time today to decide whether you will put his words into action. It is time to get up and hear the call.

A Simple Prayer

My Heavenly Father, may I open my ears to hear your word.

Give me the strength to put your words into action.

Yours in Christ

Michael Marcon