- First Reading: Isa 7:1–9
- Responsorial Psalm: Ps 48:2–3a, 3b–4, 5–6, 7–8
- Gospel: Matt 11:20–24
“For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented.”
When we hear these words, we might wonder: Why did the Lord not perform those mighty deeds in Tyre and Sidon, if they would have repented? And why perform them in Capernaum, where they were met with unbelief? The Lord knew how the people would respond. So what is he teaching us?
I think two things are happening.
First, the Lord’s words are meant to awaken the people of Capernaum. Whether we understand his comparison as a literal description of what Tyre and Sidon would have done or as a forceful prophetic contrast, its purpose is clear. These cities were infamous for their sin, yet Jesus says that even they would have responded more readily than the people who had witnessed his mighty deeds.
Most of us do not go through life thinking that we are wicked. We generally consider ourselves decent people. That very confidence, however, can make repentance difficult. We compare ourselves with those whom we consider worse and conclude that we are doing well enough. But the Lord does not compare Capernaum favorably with anyone. He compares it unfavorably with some of the most notorious cities his listeners could imagine.
This is not because he desires their condemnation. His severe words are an act of mercy. He is trying to break through their complacency, awaken their consciences, and move them toward the repentance and holiness he desires for them.
Second, God never ceases to offer the grace necessary for salvation. God loves every person and wills the salvation of every person. Yet grace can be resisted. God offers himself, but he does not force us to receive him.
He also invites us to cooperate in his work through prayer. Because he loves us, he allows our love for one another to become an instrument of his grace. When we intercede for another person—when we ask God to show mercy, strengthen the weak, or bring a sinner to conversion—our prayer truly matters. God has chosen to give certain graces in response to the prayers of his people.
We see a sign of this in Abraham’s intercession for Sodom. Abraham pleaded for the city, and God truly listened to him. Although Sodom was ultimately destroyed, Abraham’s prayer was not meaningless: Lot and his family were delivered. The story teaches us to stand before God on behalf of others and to plead for mercy even when a situation appears hopeless.
So do not give up on anyone. Continue to cry out to the Lord. Ask for mercy. Ask for greater grace. Bring before him the people you love, especially those who seem farthest from him. God hears every prayer offered in faith and charity.