Reproach
Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
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! 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. And as for you, Capernaum:
Will you be exalted to heaven?
You will go down to the netherworld.
For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.”
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of His mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
Why does Jesus reproach these towns? Jesus reproaches them because “they had not repented” after they saw His works. Jesus, John the Baptist, and the apostles all repeatedly preach repentance. Repenting (turning or changing) from a life of sin is the first step in taking the Christian life seriously. Jesus expects this and demands this from those who believe in Him. This is such a simple idea.
There are many Christians today, however, who, even though they believe in Jesus, do not desire repentance. They believe that it is okay for them to continue in some grave sin because they do other good things. Perhaps they convince themselves that God owes this favor to them. So they ignore the Church’s moral teachings regarding Mass attendance, sexuality, marriage, financial honesty, abortion, homosexuality, etc… But serious unrepentant sin always keeps us from progress in the Christian life. Jesus wants to forgive our sins (even the worst ones). But He won’t force His forgiveness on us. He asks that we have a desire to repent and to be forgiven.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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