“Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, since they had not repented.” (Mt 11:20).
To encounter Jesus is to be invited to change. Jesus shines the light of his love and mercy into the darkness of our fallen nature, where we are wounded, sinful, and broken. He invites us to repentance, healing, and reconciliation. A wonderful invitation, but why would we turn away? The light is too bright.
Facing our own darkness and brokenness is not easy and can be frightening and intimidating. That is why we are so vulnerable to temptation and distraction. We are not able to sit still because we want to keep moving so as not to face the fear and pain, nor let go of false senses of security and apparent goods.
May we pray for one another and be present to one another, that we can embrace the light of Christ, be willing to change, to repent: to turn back to God. God loves us more than we can ever mess up. Jesus’ arms are wide open to receive us in the midst of our pain and brokenness. But we must be willing to stop running from the pain and experience it to feel his loving embrace. The God of Jesus Christ, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, is our source, our security, our refuge, our hope, and our fulfillment.
“This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the Gospel” (Mark 1:15).
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Mass readings for today, Tuesday, July 18, 2017: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/071817.cfm
Spiritual Stepping Stones