Tuesday after the Second Sunday of Advent, 12/12/00

Matthew 11: 20-24 Then He began to denounce the cities in which most of His miracles were done, because they did not repent. Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles had occurred in Tyre and Sidon which occurred in you, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. Nevertheless I say to you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon in the day of judgment than for you. And you, Capernaum, will not be exalted to heaven, will you? You will descend to Hades; for if the miracles had occurred in Sodom which occurred in you, it would have remained to this day. Nevertheless I say to you that it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom in the day of judgment, than for you.''

In the name of the One Who warns us of the coming judgment, amen.

These are strong words that Jesus spoke. He walked among the people and they did not repent. He performed many great miracles that clearly showed Who He is, and still they did not repent. Judgment is coming on all who do not repent. Either we judge ourselves now, or we will be judged by God. And, when we judge ourselves, we must not judge according to our own vague standards, but according to God's holy Law. In other words, it isn't "Well, I've been a pretty good guy, I try to live the golden rule," but rather, "I haven't loved God with all my heart soul and mind, nor have I loved my neighbor as myself."

Only if we face how sinful we have been according to God's Law will we truly repent and be saved. And we will be saved, because Christ came to earth to save sinners. He loved His neighbor as Himself-even His neighbors Who put Him to death. And He loved God with all His heart, soul, and mind. He did these things for us so that we can stand in the judgment. By Baptism we are covered with Jesus righteousness. Glory be to Jesus Who was perfect in our place! Amen.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, In Your great mercy You didn't want anyone to perish, so You sent Your Son Jesus to be righteous for us. Help us by Your Holy Spirit to judge ourselves by Your holy Law. Help us to repent so that we may be saved in the day of judgment, amen.

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