Reflection for Tuesday July 15 Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church: Matthew 11:20-24

Gospel: 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 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: 

Why do we sin? 

We sin because, at times, we allow the devil to take control of our lives. When we let him in, sinning can slowly become an ordinary routine. We lose the voice of guilt in our conscience, and our hearts grow numb to criticism and to the consequences of our actions. We even find ourselves becoming angry with those who try to correct us. 

Why is this so? Because sin often offers us fleeting moments of earthly pleasure, promising us gratification that never truly satisfies. We continue in this path until the day comes when we get caught and receive the punishment we deserve. But why wait for that day? Why continue to walk a path that leads us away from God’s love and peace? 

Why don’t we stop, turn around, and embrace the unconditional love that Jesus is offering us every single day? 

In our gospel reading today, we hear Jesus reproaching the towns of Chorazin and Bethsaida because they refused to listen to God’s call to turn away from their sinful ways. Like them, we, too, often close our hearts to God’s gentle invitation to change. Yet even in our stubbornness, the Lord never stops reaching out to us, patiently calling us back to Him. 

Every now and then, God will gently nudge us, reminding us that there is no good in sin, that sin will bring us nothing but trouble, sorrow, and regret. We may enjoy the fruits of our sinfulness for a while, but this kind of enjoyment is shallow and short-lived. Eventually, we will face the consequences of our choices. 

God’s love is far greater than any temporary pleasure that sin can offer. His forgiveness is waiting for us. His mercy is ready to embrace us. His love can heal us and restore our peace. 

Why not walk away from sin today and run into the forgiving, merciful, and loving arms of God? – Marino J. Dasmarinas