Deeds of power

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Oculi mei

Margaret Rizza

Today is Tuesday the 14th of July, in the 15th week of Ordinary Time.

Oculi mei ad Dominum Deum: My eyes are on the Lord God. Wherever you are right now, on the way to work, walking in the park, sitting at home… what can you see? What can you see around you? Remember for a moment that God is present in all of this, that all of this has been made by God, and is loved by God, that God holds you, and all of this, in the palm of God’s hand.

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3:55

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Matthew.

Matthew 11:20-24

Then [Jesus] began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent. ‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, on the day of judgement it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum,

will you be exalted to heaven?

No, you will be brought down to Hades.

For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that on the day of judgement it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom than for you.’

5:40

Moment of Gray

Dear Gravity & Domy Castellano

In today’s reading, Jesus speaks to the towns that witnessed grace, healing, mercy - and still did not change. “If the mighty works done in you had been done elsewhere, they would have repented…” Remain here for a moment. What is your response? What stirs in you as you hear these words?

Is there a sense of not anger but grief – a longing for what should be? Resistance against what has been uncovered? Gratitude for a life lived differently? A desire to begin again? These towns were perhaps well known to the listeners. Consider what is your witness to the town that you live in today?

When we listen to this passage again, hear Jesus speaking to you today. Does your life reflect the graces received through faith?

8:38

Matthew 11:20-24

Then [Jesus] began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because they did not repent. ‘Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, on the day of judgement it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. And you, Capernaum,

will you be exalted to heaven?

No, you will be brought down to Hades.

For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you that on the day of judgement it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom than for you.’

10:12

In this time of prayer, picture Jesus sitting beside you. Speak with the Lord about all that is on your heart.

12:21

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit.

As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be

World without end

Amen