Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin
Readings: Isaiah 7:1-9; Psalm 48:2-3a, 3b-4, 5-6, 7-8; Matthew 11:20-24
Summary
The saying Long Time Dead is a phrase I heard over and over again as a kid. The intended purpose was to make concrete the possible effect of decisions that are sometimes permanent. The loss of life, your own or of another, was an irreversible outcome. How might this apply in our sacred readings today? Jesus is making the same warning about irreversible outcomes, once dead – judgment, but also a warning about a life divided between grace and the hidden.
“Long time dead—not because death defeats God, but because our earthly season of choosing does not last forever.”
Jesus, of course, is not interested in these outcomes to be effectuated. Rather he warns us about ignoring the constant Visitations of the Lord in and among the places we live, work and play. These great gifts, not shared equally or in similar amounts among peoples (Tyre/Sidon and Sodom in contrast with Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum) are a secondary theme.
If we apply this teaching of Jesus to a single person we could say the Lord chooses when and where he visits us and we are obligated to carry/see/know this gift into the Tyre, Sidon and Sodom of our lives – the hidden, disaffected places. We are not bifurcated people. We are one human person, and the Lord claims every territory of our life.
Reflection
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.
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.
Personal Reflection
Lord, may you be Lord of my Tyre/Sidon and Sodom with the fullness of your gifts the same as in my Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum.
I make this prayer freely, with the whole and undivided self your grace has awakened.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071426.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry