HOMILY FOR FRIDAY, 26TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR 1
BY: FR GERALD M. MUSA
THEME: WOE TO CHORAZIN!
As the saying goes, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” This means it can be challenging to change the behaviour or attitudes of someone who is set in their ways and resistant to change. Jesus was disappointed with the people of Chorazin and Bethsaida where he preached and worked many miracles. They were amazed by his wonderful works, but they did not repent. They were so preoccupied with the pursuit of pleasure and wealth that they had little or no time to renew their spiritual lives.
Parents, teachers, leaders, and preachers can understand how Jesus felt. Nothing is as painful as investing in children, students, followers, and listeners who are not responsive, productive, or appreciative. Jesus upbraided the people of these cities for their hardness of heart and for making themselves morally numb. Their moral sickness is called impenitence, which is another word for refusing to repent.
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Catholic Catechism mentions impenitence as one of the sins against the Holy Spirit and final impenitence as a deliberate refusal to repent or be remorseful about sin, and resisting any opportunity of grace even in the face of death. Jesus lambasted them for taking the mercy and compassion of God for granted. His mercy and compassion should lead us towards penitence, which is sincere sorrow for our sins and a willingness to change for the better. Do we always remember that to whom much is given much is expected?
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