Arulvakku

14.07.2020 — Authority of Judgment

15th Week in Ord. Time, Tuesday – 14th July 2020 — Gospel: Mt 11:20-24

Authority of Judgment

Jesus’ words of condemnation most strikingly bring out his authority. These are not the words of an ordinary teacher, but of one who is Lord. Here the emphasis lies on the recognition of his mighty deeds, which is repeated thrice in this short passage. Jesus spent a good deal of His first year of preaching in the cities of Korazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum and other towns. He came proclaiming to the world that He was the Messiah. And He did most of His mighty works in this area to authenticate His claims. The people were glad to listen to Jesus, they were delighted that He healed so many of them, and they were pleased to be fed when He multiplied the food.  Indeed, Jesus bore witness to them in words and works. Yet, they were not convinced of His messianic deeds. They rejected His call for repentance that laments sinfulness and seeks forgiveness. Therefore Jesus laments over these stubborn hearts. He finds no comfort because of their ingratitude, indifference, and rejection. And with the authority of the judge of the whole world, He declared the impending doom because of sin.