15th Week in Ordinary Time (B) : Tuesday 16th July 2024

Are you afraid of being frustrated? Today’s Gospel seems to show Jesus in that mode. Was He not also tired and upset? “Woe to you!” is a warning and frustrating echo of the ancient prophets. If we experience helping someone we love and then later being ignored, we see it’s meaning when we follow Jesus in performing good deeds in Bethsaida and Capernaum.  Here, Jesus acts as a father to us all, He “scolds” to remind us how necessary it is to repent from our sinful pride. Let us note that when we fell into the valley of sin, Jesus came to save us. When we were drowning in temptation, Jesus came into our lives to lift up our souls.

It is evident that Jesus loves us so much. He is never tired of giving His whole heart to us. Wherever we are, whether now or in the past, God beckons us to turn to Him. God always gives us room for repentance. Repentance doesn’t just happen once; it is a journey of enduring patience and persistent prayer. Let us always ask for God’s blessing to soften our hearts so that we are more inclined towards repentance in our daily lives. And through the intercession of Mary our Mother, may we heed God’s voice to serve others in urgent need. May God find His dwelling place in our repentant  hearts.

Lord Jesus, help us to see that reparation, and not empty frustration, will always lead us closer to You.