Matthew 11:20-24 NRSVue

²⁰Then he began to reproach the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done because they did not repent. ²¹“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. ²²But I tell you, on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. ²³And you, Capernaum,

will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to Hades.

“For if the deeds of power done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

²⁴But I tell you that on the day of judgment it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom than for you.”

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Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
Humbly and quietly, I take time to notice what “deeds of power” God has done in me. As I ask God to open my eyes and to help me to grow in gratitude, I pray that I may not miss what God has done, is doing, and wants to do.

Reflection
Again and again, Jesus asks us to stay alert, to notice, to listen. I invite the Holy Spirit to help me now to look at my life and grow in appreciation and gratitude. I give thanks for those who have brought me good news, for everything that leads me to life.

Reflection
These verses hint at the mass of unrecorded history that the Gospels omit: the deeds of power performed by Jesus in the towns at the northern end of the Sea of Tiberias. Here were communities that listened to Jesus, and saw his miracles, but shrugged their shoulders and sent him on his way.

Reflection
Lord, open my eyes and my heart to the signs of your grace around me. Help me to hear your message, even if it upsets my habits.