July 12, 2010. Homily, July 13, 2010.

Mt. 11:20-24

Jesus began to reproach the towns where where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented. "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and SIdon on the day of judgment than for you. And as for you Capernaum;

Will you be exalted to heaven?! You will go down to the netherworld.

For if 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."

The Gospel of the Lord.

Love thy neighbor, even when he plays the trombone.

A mother was telling her six-year-old about the Golden Rule. "Always remember," she said, "that we are here to help others."

The youngster mulled this over for a minute and then asked, "Well, what are the others here for."

The God of surprises left his gifts in unexpected places: the pagan centurion, the Samaritan woman, Nazareth (whatever good came out of Nazareth?), Peter.

He that has eyes to see, let him see.

He that has ears to hear, let him hear.

The miracles of Jesus went unnoted.

Matthew's Gospel is for the Jews; it is of fire and brimstone.