Daily Reflections

September 30, 2011
WITH PRIVILEGE COMES RESPONSIBILITY

From these words of Jesus, we can easily deduce that He has performed great wonders in Chorazin and Bethsaida. The people of Tyre and Sidon were known to be hard of heart, but Jesus knew that if these same miracles were performed in these towns they would have easily repented. So even if Scripture is silent about these great miracles, we can take it to mean that Jesus’ works there were so spectacular that He was offended by their lack of positive response to Him.
“How terrible it will be for you, Chorazin! How terrible for you too, Bethsaida!” These are strong words — words of a God who has given much, who has offered much, but whose offer was not received and reciprocated.
We, Christians, are lucky and blessed. While other religions are still employing different strategies and means to search for what is true and perfect, we already know what we need to do in order to achieve it. We know, too, what awaits us at the end of our lives. Jesus has already given us God’s words to this effect. Through the Spirit, we are able to continue discerning God’s Word spoken to us through our tradition and through our life situations.
Today’s Gospel deals with how we are to handle the great responsibility of receiving this much privilege from Him. We are so privileged because we already know the truth from the very mouth of the Son of God at that.
With great privilege comes great responsibility. Just as Jesus expected much from the people of Chorazin and Bethsaida for His many gifts to them, so will He expect much from us. We better take stock and see how much we have been graced with and move ourselves to deliver accordingly. Fr. Sandy V. Enhaynes

Reflection Question:
Take stock of the many gifts and privileges God has given you. What are you doing with them?

Lord, thank You for the gifts You have given us, Your Church. Thank You for the talents You have bestowed on me. Grant me a willing spirit to use them all for Your glory and for the building of Your Kingdom here on earth.

St. Laurus, pray for us.