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Gospel Reading for July 14, 2026 – Matthew 11: 20-24
OUR MISSION
Jesus began to reproach the towns 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 nether world. 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.”
————
Jesus seemed deeply exasperated that, despite performing so many mighty works that the prophet Isaiah had foretold the Messiah would accomplish,
“Then will the eyes of the blind be opened,
and the ears of the deaf unstopped.
Then will the lame leap like a deer,
and the mute tongue shout for joy.”
(Isaiah 35:5–6)
the people still failed to recognize him and refused to repent.
Yet even in his frustration, Jesus did not abandon his mission. He faithfully continued to do his Father’s will until the very end, even when it meant suffering and dying on the cross.
The same can happen to us, even within our own families and among our friends and acquaintances. We may strive to be living witnesses of Christ, yet they may still fail to recognize his presence in us.
Like Jesus, however, we are called to persevere. We must continue to be living witnesses of Christ no matter what it takes, no matter how long it takes—even if it takes a lifetime. This is what it means to live OUR MISSION.
Lord Jesus, strengthen us to persevere and remain faithful in bearing witness to you in our own little corner of the world.
