Reflect today on whether or not a rebuke of Jesus is desirable

Jesus began to rebuke the cities where most of his powerful actions had been done, for they had not repented. "Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! "Matthew 11: 20-21a

What an act of mercy and love from Jesus! He reprimands those in the cities of Chorazin and Bethsaida because he loves them and sees that they continue to hold onto their sinful lives even though he has brought them the gospel and performed many powerful actions. They remain obstinate, trapped, confused, unwilling to repent and reluctant to change direction. In this context, Jesus offers a wonderful form of mercy. Chastise them! After the passage above, he continues saying: "I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tire and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you."

There is a wonderful distinction here that should help us hear what God might tell us at times, as well as help us know how to deal with those around us who habitually sin and cause injuries in our lives or in the lives of others. The distinction has to do with Jesus' motivation for chastising the people of Chorazin and Bethsaida. Why did he do it? And what was the motivation behind your actions?

Jesus chastises them for love and for their desire to change. They didn't immediately regret their sin when he offered an invitation and a powerful testimony of his miracles, so he needed to take things to a new level. And this new level was a loud and clear rebuke for love.

This action of Jesus could initially be perceived as an emotional explosion of anger. But that's the key distinction. Jesus did not reproach them strongly because he was mad and lost control. Rather, he scolded them because they needed that rebuke to change.

The same truth can be applied to our lives. Sometimes we change our lives and overcome sin as a result of Jesus' kind invitation to grace. But other times, when the sin is deep, we need a holy reproach. In this case we should hear these words of Jesus as if they were directed at us. This could be the specific act of mercy that we need in our life.

It also gives us a great insight into how we treat others. Parents, for example, can learn a lot from this. Children will regularly get lost in various ways and will need corrections. It is certainly appropriate to start with delicate invitations and conversations aimed at helping them make the right choices. However, sometimes this will not work and more drastic measures will have to be implemented. What are those "most drastic measures?" Out of control anger and vengeful screams are not the answer. Rather, a sacred wrath that comes from mercy and love can be the key. This can come in the form of a strong punishment or punishment. Or, it can come in the form of establishing the truth and clearly presenting the consequences of certain actions. Just remember that this too is love and is an imitation of Jesus' actions.

Reflect today on the opportunity or not of a rebuke from Jesus. If you do, let this Gospel of love sink. Also reflect on your responsibility to correct other people's defects. Do not be afraid to exercise an act of divine love that comes in the form of a clear punishment. It could be just the key to helping the people you love to love God even more.

Lord, help me repent every day of my sin. Help me to be an instrument of repentance for others. I would always like to receive your words in love and offer them in the most effective form of love. Jesus I believe in you.