Woe to You [Washington]

St Bonventure was a humble, Italian Franciscan back in the 13^th Century.

He became the head of the Franciscans,

A cardinal,

A Doctor of the Church.

A saint.

There’s a university in New York that bears his name.

This morning, on his feast day, we might like to focus on his life.

Especially if our choice is to think about him

Or about that Gospel passage we just heard.

But how can we ignore that Gospel?

Jesus is pretty harsh with the people of Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum.

They failed to repent – despite all he’d given them, despite his many miracles.

Talk about preaching fire and brimstone –

There it is.

God himself destroyed the city of Sodom with fire and brimstone.

And Jesus says Judgment Day will go better for the people of Sodom

Than for the people of these three cities.

If Gospel means “Good News”, where is it today?

Maybe this is good news for the people of Sodom.

They hear that they’re not going to suffer the absolute

worst punishment possible.

That will be reserved for someone else.

I guess they might call that good news.

Things could be worse.

When the Good News is upbeat and joyous we're quick to recognize

That Jesus’ words in the Gospels are not directed to only

The people present at that time and place.

His words are directed to all of us.

And to each of us.

So, we have to recognize that today too.

But why does he talk to us like this?

Why does he reproach us?

We weren’t there in the crowds at Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum

When Jesus worked his miracles.

But he’s shown us just as much or more.

We know of the Resurrection.

We know that his word has spread throughout the world

And is still spreading after 2000 years.

Sometimes we need a bit of jolt to get us moving forward.

It’s too easy to become complacent.

Too easy to presume that we’re among the chosen people

And that we’re doing just fine.

That we don’t need to do any more than what we’ve been doing.

Jesus’ reproach is a reminder that he has given us much.

And from those who have been given much

Much is expected.

Addressing us as whole-city groups reminds us that

We each share in the responsibility to advance our community.

Our nation, our world.

I don’t think St Bonaventure would mind.

In fact, I think he would be quite pleased.

If today we turn our attention away from him 

And toward Jesus’ message.

Tuesday, 15th Week of  Ordinary Time

Mt 11:20-24          Read this Scripture @usccb.org