Whoever rejects you rejects me

JESUS identifies himself with his disciples. Their authority to preach comes from Jesus. So when they are not listened to, it is Jesus who is not listened to. The disciples do not represent themselves. They are sent out by Jesus. Those who reject them as representatives face punishment. It will more severe for Chorazin and Bethsaida in Galilee than for Tyre and Sidon in Lebanon.

The Gospel warns us to take seriously the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles. Every time we hear them preach the Word of God, we are invited to repent of our sins. Every encounter with the Word of God is a call to metanoia, change of heart. Something must change in our value system, attitude, and behavior. No change suggests hardheadedness and self-righteousness: I am right, God is wrong. Without conversion, we are failed Christians. Severe consequences await us.

We Christians must be docile to the Word of God. We must listen to our pastors when they preach to us. That is one way to welcome Jesus.

Gospel • Lk 10:13-16

Jesus said to them, “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, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. But it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. And as for you, Capernaum, ‘Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the netherworld.’ Whoever listens to you listens to me. Whoever rejects you rejects me. And whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.”

SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2019,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.