Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Tuesday, 15th Week in Ordinary Time 

July 15, 2025, Matthew 11:20-24

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071525.cfm

Woe!

The words of Jesus, “Woe to you, Chorazin, and Bethsaida,” may sound harsh, but they carry a concerned urgency. It’s a warning akin to a blaring siren on the interstate, signaling immediate action. The honking horns and flashing lights of other drivers are not commands, but urgent pleas to change direction. The potential harm of continuing on the wrong path is too great to ignore.  

Are they commanding the person driving in the wrong direction to turn around? No. They are warning them very excitedly to turn around. It’s an alarm that nothing else is more important. Significant harm can happen if they don’t change direction.

No matter how many miracles Jesus performed, His benevolent, generous acts failed to change some people’s hearts. They continued to live the way they did before Jesus entered their towns.    

“Woe to you” expresses Jesus’s sorrowful pity for people and sometimes for us. It is the deep sorrow a parent carries when their child is addicted to drugs or destructive behaviors. A child can forget all the good the parent did for them. It’s hard for the parents to imagine what could happen to their son or daughter if they continue down a dangerous road.  

Gospel Challenge:

Jesus is never angry with us when we abuse His gifts and refuse to repent for our sins. Instead, we console the heart of Jesus whenever we examine our conscience in His Truth and allow His love and mercy to change our lives forever. So, have no fear of turning around. Remember, Jesus calls us “Friends” even when we don’t deserve it. Remember, Jesus always sees what is best in us, even when we don’t. Seek Him out and find yourself.

Love Your Neighbor!

Fr. Rick Pilger, IC  
pastor@bscchurch.com