Memorial of Blessed Kateri Tekawitha, virgin
(Exodus 2:1-15a; Matthew 11:20-24)
We rightly say that God is all-forgiving. But we should not think this means that He automatically forgives all our sins! Rather, we can rest assured that God forgives all the sins that we sincerely repent of. If there is an unforgiveable sin, it is that which inherently precludes asking pardon like, perhaps, one’s preempting the action of the Holy Spirit by solemn oath. This is to say that if we somehow make a pact with the devil like the famous case of Dr. Faust. It should be added that we cannot judge who is forgiven and is not. Scripture reminds us that only God can scrutinize the human heart for sincere repentance.
In today’s gospel Jesus manifests the necessity of responding to God with repentance. The mighty deeds he performs are indications of God’s presence in him. They are not meant just to impress us but to summon reform within us. Something like those people on television who receive absolutely free a brand new home are expected not just to care for it but to show care to others, we who witness Jesus’ mighty deeds in the graciousness of those around us are expected to live earnestly our faith in God. Evidently many in Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum after witnessing Jesus’ cures and exorcisms refuse to take up his message of reform. Now he warns them that they will pay for their apathy. We want to take care that we do much better than they.
