Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Exodus 2:1-15a; Matthew 11:202-24)
Ask anyone what was Jesus’ “own town.” They will likely
answer “Nazareth.” It is true that Jesus
grew up in Nazareth according to the Gospel of Luke. However, Matthew’s gospel calls Capernaum his
town (9:1). Evidently, he made the
seaside town the base of his preaching mission.
Although he worked many wonders there, the people of Capernaum
did not heed his message. In today’s gospel,
Jesus decries this development. He
actually predicts what eventually takes place.
Instead of Capernaum becoming famous, it is relatively unknown compared
to Nazareth or Bethlehem. But obscurity
is not Capernaum’s ultimate fate, according to Jesus. It still must face a judgment more severe
than that of Sodom.
We may not have seen many miracles in our lifetimes. But we have likely seen blessings bestowed on
us and others more than deserved. Yet too
often, like the people of Capernaum, we neglect to give God due thanks and
praise. If this is true, let us change
our ways to give God glory every day.
