Repentance is More Important than Miracles.


Friday 4th October 2019. Read Baruch 1:18-22, Psalm 79 and Luke 10:13-16.


“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.” (Luke 10:13)

Driving through the streets of our country, one cannot but notice the many funny names of churches scattered all over the place. Even from the titles of these churches, there appears to be an emphasis on “miracles.” Some even have the slogan: “Come and receive your miracle” or “Your miracle awaits.”

In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus is not happy with Bethsaida and Chorazin because despite the miracles that happened in those towns, the people remained stiff-necked and refused to repent. Jesus was expecting a change of heart and a change of life to follow from the miracles but the reverse was the case.

In our first reading this morning Baruch acknowledges the sinfulness of Israel as a nation reminding the people that their present calamities are a direct result of their disobedience to God’s commands.

Dear friends, repentance from sin is the ultimate miracle. If we must take from God, it is only right that we give back to God. What does God want from us? The holiness of life, purity of heart, truthfulness, righteousness, virtue, obedience, repentance from our bad habits and vices.

Today, we celebrate St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis renounced all he had, gave out all his riches to the poor and went to become a monk. His father disowned him but even as a poor monk, he was the happiest man on earth. He was such a good preacher that even animals would gather to listen to him preach.

Let us pray: Lord Jesus, inspire me to serve you diligently like St. Francis of Assisi. Amen.

*Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Friday of the 26th Week in Ordinary Time, Memorial of St. Francis. Bible Study: Baruch 1:18-22, Psalm 79 and Luke 10:13-16).

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