Gospel MT 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 nether world.
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.”
Reflection:
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida!”
“And as for you, Capernaum:
Will you be exalted to heaven?
You will go down to the nether world.”
Jesus’ words to the towns of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum seem uncharacteristically harsh.
But, perhaps not.
Perhaps Jesus’ tone is not one of anger, but one of frustration brought about by His love and concern for the people of these towns.
A parent may say to their teenage child who, after having been given many chances, is once again caught using drugs, “If your friends were acting like you, their parents would have thrown them out long ago. We’ve given you every opportunity to straighten out. It breaks our heart to say you’re just going to have to suffer the consequences of your actions.”
Like the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum, the teenager took the parent’s love for granted and ignored the many chances to “straighten out” (repent).
Jesus does not reject us for our bad behavior or taking His love for granted.
It “breaks His heart” to realize that as a result of our “hardened heart” and unwillingness to repent, we separate ourselves from Him.
But, like a loving parent with a defiant child, Jesus hopefully awaits our coming to our senses and returning home to Him.
“If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.”  – – Hebrews 3:15