TUESDAY, FIFTEENTH IN ORDINARY TIME
Is 7: 1-9 Ps 48: 2-8 Mt 11: 20-24
RECONCILIATION BRINGS SPIRITUAL RESURRECTION
The reflection on today’s Word of God, ought to commence with the meaning of the word ‘Woe’. It means a condition of deep suffering from misfortune, affliction, or grief. The misfortune of grief in the gospel today is that the cities where Jesus did many mighty miracles, did not repent from their sins and turn to God. They did not recognize God had come to save them. Hence, they shall experience deep suffering. It is not a curse or a punishment given to them by Jesus. It is the just consequence of unrepentant sin. ‘Sin is before all else an offense against God, a rupture of communion with him. At the same time it damages communion with the Church.’ (CCC 1440)
The amazing part is that the whole of humanity was headed towards this ‘Woe’. But Jesus came and did a mighty work for us. He embraced our sins, taking it all on himself, and through his death on the cross, defeated sin, and rose from the dead emerging victorious in that final battle. This mighty work of Jesus is a free gift to those who repent, believe and receive Him. Jesus also points out that other cities would have repented with sackcloth and ashes if these mighty works had been done there. What then is the significance of ‘sackcloth and ashes’? It represents deep mourning, humility and an external display of internal contrition and sorrow. It is important that our repentance be genuine, turning our hearts back to God and accompanied with a real sorrow and mourning for sins and failure committed. This is the real essence of the sacrament of confession.
‘Indeed the sacrament of Reconciliation with God brings about a true “spiritual resurrection,” restoration of the dignity and blessings of the life of the children of God, of which the most precious is friendship with God.’ (CCC 1468) Woe to us if we do not receive this spiritual resurrection that Christ promises to us and a chance to experience this friendship with God while we are still alive.
Response: God upholds his city for ever.
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