Readings: Baruch 1:15-22, Ps. 79:1-5,8-9, Luke 10:13-16
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.” (Luke 10:13)
Driving through the streets of our country, one cannot help but notice the many funny names of churches scattered all over the place. Even from the titles of these churches, there appears to be an emphasis on “miracles.” Some even have the slogan: “Come and receive your miracle” or “Your miracle awaits.”
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus is unhappy with Bethsaida and Chorazin because, despite the miracles in those towns, the people remained stiff-necked and refused to repent. Jesus was expecting a change of heart and a change of life to follow from the miracles, but the reverse was the case.
In today’s first reading, Baruch acknowledges the sinfulness of Israel as a nation, reminding the people that their present calamities are a direct result of their disobedience to God’s commands.
Dear friends, repentance from sin is a remarkable miracle. If we must take from God, it is only right that we give back to God. What does God want from us? The holiness of life, purity of heart, truthfulness, righteousness, virtue, obedience, and repentance from our bad habits and vices.
Today, we remember Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873 - 1897). Marie-Françoise-Thérèse Martin was born in Alençon, France, on 2 January 1873. Her mother, who already had breast cancer, died when Thérèse was four, and the family moved to Lisieux. Thérèse became a nun at the Carmelite convent there at 15, after a long battle against the superior, who insisted that 16, or even 21, would be a more sensible age. She died of tuberculosis at the age of 24.
In 1895, Mother Agnès of Jesus, the prioress, commanded Thérèse to write her memoirs. Writing “not to produce a literary work, but under obedience,” Thérèse took a year to fill six exercise books. She presented them to the prioress, who put them in a drawer unread. A year after Thérèse’s death, the memoirs were published. This was the first spark that ignited a “storm of glory” that swept the world. Miracles started to happen: conversions, cures, even apparitions. She was canonised in 1925. Her parents, Louis and Zélie Martin, were canonised by Pope Francis on 18 October 2015.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, grant us the grace of true repentance. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin, Doctor Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Baruch 1:15-22, Ps. 79:1-5,8-9, Luke 10:13-16)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu