In today’s first reading, we begin reading the story of Moses. The Hebrews were enslaved in Egypt, and every Hebrew male child was to be killed. But Moses’ mother hid him and put the child in a basket and sent him floating down the river. The basket was discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter, who took the child as her own. It is a fascinating story, one that I hope you will take the time to read today!
In the Gospel reading from Matthew 11, Jesus pronounces “woes” to certain towns. Why? Because they had witnessed many might deeds for themselves, yet they refused to repent and believe. Jesus says, “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 judgement than for you.” Powerful words. Ones that I hope will give us pause.
Unfortunately, the same things still happen today. It happens on an individual level, in families, communities, even nations. We hear the word of God, witness mighty deeds and miracles, even experience Jesus…yet we refuse to repent. Why? Because God is not a god of convenience. In fact, repenting is quite inconvenient. Who needs that? And so we turn away. Maybe some other time, God. Tell you what, Lord…when you come around to my way of thinking, then we’ll talk. God shows himself to us, reveals His ways, yet we refuse to see, refuse to change. “Woe to you…” is not a popular message. People don’t get warm fuzzies when they hear it, and we don’t get warm fuzzies delivering it. But it’s part of the message, and a part that we mustn’t neglect.
Father, forgive us for those many times when we ignore your call to repentance. Open our eyes, open our hearts, open our minds that we may see the mighty deeds and draw closer to you. Amen.
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