The words of Jesus, “Woe to you, Chorazin, and Bethsaida,” sound very harsh. But Jesus is giving a concerned warning. It is a fearful warning of what could happen to someone driving in the wrong direction on the interstate. Drivers honking their horns and flashing their lights are trying to say, “Stop! Turn around! Now!”
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. Great 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.
October 28, 2025, Luke 6 12-16 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102825.cfm Pray well that you may listen well. There is more to Jesus’ call than just following a career.
October 27, 2025, Luke 13:10-17 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102725.cfm The Law is not an end but a beginning. How often does a driver pull up to a stop
October 26, 2025, Luke 18:9-14 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102625.cfm Are You Really Better or Worse Than Anyone Else? Comparing ourselves to others is a two-sided coin. On the
October 25, 2025, Luke 13:1-9 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102525.cfm Is this useless or useful? For whom? The word “useless” in the Gospel stands out to me today. When
Tuesday, 15th Week in Ordinary Time July 16, 2024
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Homily for Tuesday, 15th Week in Ordinary Time
July 16, 2024, Matthew 11:20-24
https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071624.cfm
Woe!
The words of Jesus, “Woe to you, Chorazin, and Bethsaida,” sound very harsh. But Jesus is giving a concerned warning. It is a fearful warning of what could happen to someone driving in the wrong direction on the interstate. Drivers honking their horns and flashing their lights are trying to say, “Stop! Turn around! Now!”
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. Great 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.
Love Your Neighbor!
Fr. Rick Pilger, IC
pastor
Share:
More Posts
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Gospel Reflection for St. Simon and Jude, Apostles
October 28, 2025, Luke 6 12-16 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102825.cfm Pray well that you may listen well. There is more to Jesus’ call than just following a career.
Fr. Rick’s Gospel Reflection for Monday, 30th Week in Ordinary Time
October 27, 2025, Luke 13:10-17 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102725.cfm The Law is not an end but a beginning. How often does a driver pull up to a stop
Fr. Rick’s Gospel Reflection for the 30th Sunday of the Year C
October 26, 2025, Luke 18:9-14 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102625.cfm Are You Really Better or Worse Than Anyone Else? Comparing ourselves to others is a two-sided coin. On the
Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Reflection for Saturday
October 25, 2025, Luke 13:1-9 https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102525.cfm Is this useless or useful? For whom? The word “useless” in the Gospel stands out to me today. When
Categories
Send Us A Message