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Tuesday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Isaiah 7:1-9
Psalm 48:2-3A, 3B-4, 5-6, 7-8
Matthew 11:20-24
S
UMMARY
The prophet Isaiah speaks about what will happen to the people if
they do not remain firm in their faith. The psalmist cries out that God
upholds his city forever. Matthew˅s gospel is anything but warm and
fuzzy. Jesus says to the people of Capernaum ˈif the mighty deeds
done in your midst had been done in Sodom, it would have remained
until this day. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of
Sodom on the day of judgment than for you."
R
EFLECTION
When Holy Family first started a Gay and Lesbian ministry there was
some who were a little concerned as to why our parish would be do-
ing such a ministry. For after all there is the Hebrew Scripture pas-
sage about homosexuality at Sodom and Gomorrah. The leadership
at Holy Family responded with according to Jesus, the people of
Sodom will get off lighter on the day of judgment than will the people
for whom judgment comes. Jesus is confident that those who live
under condemnation will show the most mercy. And in the kingdom
of God mercy is key. Jesus came to demonstrate that mercy and for-
giveness have the greatest power over sin, and ultimately even over
death. But those who persist in judgment claim that righteousness is
the deciding factor. Jesus is willing to let those who think they are
righteous face the judgment, but warns that they will not fare well.
The ultimate justice for the Christian is the love that shows itself in
forgiveness.