Gospel Reflection

July 17, 2012

Tuesday
Weekday

by Rev. Fr. Lito Ignacio

EDSA Shrine

First Reading:   Isaiah 7:1-9

Psalm:             Psalm 48:2-8

Gospel:            Matthew 11:20-24

20 Then he began to upbraid the cities where most of his mighty works had been done, because they did not repent. 21 "Woe to you, Chora'zin! woe to you, Beth-sa'ida! for if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I tell you, it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 23 And you, Caper'na-um, will you be exalted to heaven? You shall be brought down to Hades. For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I tell you that it shall be more tolerable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom than for you."

HOMILY

The key to today's Gospel is conversion. It is through steadfast faith and repentance (especially through the Sacrament of Reconciliation) that we are able to continue our work of evangelization. "If your faith is not firm, you have no faith." We have to be persistent in our faith, whether it is convenient or inconvenient.
Father Lito ended his brief homily by sharing a prayer of Blessed Theresa of Calcutta: "Jesus, in my heart, I believe in Your tender love in me....and I love you". He told us to say the prayer over and over again. For him, this short prayer from Blessed Theresa is a prayer of such humility, faith and love for God.