Matthew 11:20-24
Then Jesus began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven?
No, you will be brought down to Hades.
For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom than for you.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Noticing How God Labors for Us
As we make our way through the Gospel of Matthew, we have been hearing of Jesus ministering and preaching to the cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. However, despite his many miracles, they remain unrepentant and obstinate. These towns are likened to others who have ignored and sent away the prophets who came to preach God’s word. This time the stakes are much higher. The cities of Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum ignore the very Word of God who took on flesh. They remain indifferent and apathetic.
On the other hand, Ignatian spirituality holds up a different kind of indifference as a virtue. Ignatius points to the reality that all created things have the potential to be used for the love and service of God. Every moment contains an opportunity to praise, reverence and serve him.
So, let us be attentive to the ways that Jesus comes to reveal himself to us. Rather than go unaware of the ways he labors for us, let us pray for the grace to notice and respond.
—Jon Herrington, SJ, is a Jesuit scholastic of the Midwest Province studying philosophy at Fordham University in New York City.
Prayer
Holy and mysterious God, teach me to praise and honor you, O Christ, to think about and know you, to remember and long for you, to love and desire and serve you, to seek and see and hear you, to know your fragrance, to delight in you, to touch you.
—St. Peter Faber, SJ