Revelation and Repentance

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today invite us to contemplate the call to repentance that is contained in the revelation of God’s connection to our lives.

Hope in Repentance

The Reading from the Book of Exodus proclaims the Birth and Adoption of Moses and Moses’ Flight to Midian

* [2:11] After Moses had grown up: cf. 7:7, where Moses is said to be eighty years old at the time of his mission to Pharaoh. Striking: probably in the sense of “flogging”; in v. 12, however, the same verb is used in the sense of “killing.”

* [2:15] Land of Midian: the territory under the control of a confederation made up, according to Nm 31:8, of five Midianite tribes. According to Gn 25:1–2, Midian was a son of Abraham by Keturah. In view of the extreme hostility in later periods between Israel and Midian (cf. Nm 31; Jgs 6–8), the relationship is striking, as is the account here in Exodus of good relations between Moses and no less than a Midianite priest. (Exodus, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 69 is a lament complaining of suffering.

* [Psalm 69] A lament complaining of suffering in language both metaphorical (Ps 69:2–3, 15–16, the waters of chaos) and literal (Ps 69:4, 5, 9, 11–13, exhaustion, alienation from family and community, false accusation). In the second part the psalmist prays with special emphasis that the enemies be punished for all to see (Ps 69:23–29). Despite the pain, the psalmist does not lose hope that all be set right, and promises public praise (Ps 69:30–36). The Psalm, which depicts the suffering of the innocent just person vividly, is cited often by the New Testament especially in the passion accounts, e.g., Ps 69:5 in Jn 15:25; Ps 69:22 in Mk 15:23, 36 and parallels and in Jn 19:29. The Psalm prays not so much for personal vengeance as for public vindication of God’s justice. There was, at this time, no belief in an afterlife where such vindication could take place. Redress had to take place now, in the sight of all. (Psalms, PSALM 69 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew proclaims Jesus reproaches to Unrepentant Towns

* [11:21] Tyre and Sidon were pagan cities denounced for their wickedness in the Old Testament; cf. Jl 4:4–7.

* [11:23] Capernaum’s pride and punishment are described in language taken from the taunt song against the king of Babylon (Is 14:13–15). (Matthew, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Jim Caime, SJ, comments on the faith of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church.

I find myself wondering: where has Christ already been present in my own life, and I’ve failed to respond? Maybe in someone I overlooked, or a moment of grace I was too busy to notice?

And then there’s St. Bonaventure. He did notice. He let the presence of Christ shape everything—his mind, his heart, his leadership. Bonaventure was a brilliant scholar, but his intellect didn’t distance him from God; it deepened his love. He was a mystic and a practical leader who helped guide the Franciscan Order through real struggles—not by taking sides, but by drawing everyone back to Jesus.

He responded with his life.

The contrast between this Gospel and Bonaventure’s witness is striking. Jesus laments the people who saw miracles and stayed the same. Bonaventure encountered Christ and let it change everything. (Caime, SJ, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Even after miracles they did not repent,” by Jerome (347-420 AD).

"Our Savior laments Chorazin and Bethsaida, cities of Galilee, because after such great miracles and acts of goodness they did not repent. Even Tyre and Sidon, cities that surrendered to idolatry and other vices, are preferred to them. Tyre and Sidon are preferred for the reason that although they trampled down the law, still Chorazin and Bethsaida, after they transgressed natural and written law, cared little for the miracles that were performed among them." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 2.11.22.1) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 11:20-24 asks what lesson can we take from these words of Jesus—which are some of the sternest words he utters in the New Testament? If anything, it’s that we shouldn’t take our faith for granted.

As often as you can today, recall “the mighty deeds” of the Lord. You can do this by reciting the Creed from Mass, by praying the mysteries of the Rosary, or by recalling your favorite Scripture passages or hymns. Let these deeds remind you that the “kindness of God” is meant to “lead you to repentance” (Romans 2:4). Let them convince you that a God this loving will always forgive!

“Lord, I am in awe of your mighty deeds! Help me to live a life worthy of your kindness today.” (Meditation on Matthew 11:20-24, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the Exodus passage in which the mother of Moses protects him as the daughter of Pharaoh finds Moses in the basket in the Nile. “Moses” is a very common Egyptian name suffix indicating devotee to a god. The killing of the Egyptian caused Moses to have to flee. The text from Matthew is a taunt song that predicts destruction. Jesus claims Tyre and pagan cities will be saved before the cities of Israel. Friar Jude notes that Jesus recognizes the stronger faith of many Gentiles.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, introduces Sister Joan Chittister who describes darkness as a fertile place for our questions with no easy answers.

The light we gain in darkness is the awareness that, however bleak the place of darkness was for us, we did not die there. We know now that life begins again on the other side of the darkness. Another life. A new life. After the death, the loss, the rejection, the failure, life does go on. Differently, but on. Having been sunk into the cold night of black despair—and having survived it—we rise to new light, calm and clear and confident that what will be, will be enough for us. 

Growth is the boundary between the darkness of unknowing and the light of new wisdom, new insight, new vision of who and what we ourselves have become. After darkness we are never the same again. We are only stronger, simpler, surer than ever before that there is nothing in life we cannot survive, because though life is bigger than we are, we are meant to grow to our fullest dimensions in it. (Rohr, n.d.)

We ponder the action of the Spirit in the events of our life journey that remind us to recall the events that remind us to accept the invitation of Christ to seek greater connection to Life through repentance and restoration.

References

Caime, SJ, J. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton Online Ministries: Home. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-july-15-2025 

Exodus, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/exodus/2?1 

Matthew, CHAPTER 11 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/11? 

Meditation on Matthew 11:20-24. (n.d.). Word Among Us. https://wau.org/meditations/2025/07/15/1332420/ 

Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, Bishop and Doctor of the Church | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071525.cfm 

Psalms, PSALM 69 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/69?3 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Questions That Come at Dusk. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-questions-that-come-at-dusk/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Will You Be Exalted to Heaven? Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=jul15 

Gathering in His Name

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us of the power of God that is revealed to us through the action of Community gathered in His Name.

A Community Gathering

In the reading from the Book of Deuteronomy, Moses dies and Is buried in the Land of Moab.

Psalm 66 offers praise for God’s Goodness to Israel.

* [Psalm 66] In the first part (Ps 66:1–12), the community praises God for powerful acts for Israel, both in the past (the exodus from Egypt and the entry into the land [Ps 66:6]) and in the present (deliverance from a recent but unspecified calamity [Ps 66:8–12]). In the second part (Ps 66:13–20), an individual from the rescued community fulfills a vow to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving. As often in thanksgivings, the rescued person steps forward to teach the community what God has done (Ps 66:16–20). (Psalms, PSALM 66, n.d.)

The Gospel of Matthew offers instructions for reproving another who sins.

* [18:15–20] Passing from the duty of Christian disciples toward those who have strayed from their number, the discourse now turns to how they are to deal with one who sins and yet remains within the community. First there is to be private correction (Mt 18:15); if this is unsuccessful, further correction before two or three witnesses (Mt 18:16); if this fails, the matter is to be brought before the assembled community (the church), and if the sinner refuses to attend to the correction of the church, he is to be expelled (Mt 18:17). The church’s judgment will be ratified in heaven, i.e., by God (Mt 18:18). This three-step process of correction corresponds, though not exactly, to the procedure of the Qumran community; see 1QS 5:25–6:1; 6:24–7:25; CD 9:2–8. The section ends with a saying about the favorable response of God to prayer, even to that of a very small number, for Jesus is in the midst of any gathering of his disciples, however small (Mt 18:19–20). Whether this prayer has anything to do with the preceding judgment is uncertain. (Matthew, CHAPTER 18, n.d.)

Mary Lee Brock comments how wonderful to hear that encouragement from Jesus to seek support in resolving our differences.  Yet, we must listen carefully to his words as Jesus wants us to take a prayerful stance when we approach the conflict.  This can be so difficult when we have been wounded by another and are fearful about the interaction.

Experiencing conflict can be such a lonely experience, but Jesus reminds us that we do not need to face the challenge alone as he is with us.  He tells the disciples: “Again, amen, I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything for which they are to pray, it shall be granted to them by my heavenly Father. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."

Today let us pray about the unresolved conflicts in our lives.  Let us ask Jesus for the grace to release old hurts and for the courage to confront matters that should be addressed.  Let us pray for the wisdom to seek out counsel and guidance from others in our lives.  And let us be prepared to be a witness for others as they strive for peace and reconciliation.
God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ and entreating to us the message of reconciliation. (Brock, 2023)

Don Schwager quotes “If someone has done you injury,” by Augustine of Hippo 354-430 AD).

"If someone has done you injury and you have suffered, what should be done? You have heard the answer already in today's scripture: 'If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone.' If you fail to do so, you are worse than he is. He has done someone harm, and by doing harm he has stricken himself with a grievous wound. Will you then completely disregard your brother's wound? Will you simply watch him stumble and fall down? Will you disregard his predicament? If so, you are worse in your silence than he in his abuse. Therefore, when any one sins against us, let us take great care, but not merely for ourselves. For it is a glorious thing to forget injuries. Just set aside your own injury, but do not neglect your brother's wound. Therefore 'go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone,' intent upon his amendment but sparing his sense of shame. For it might happen that through defensiveness he will begin to justify his sin, and so you will have inadvertently nudged him still closer toward the very behavior you desire to amend. Therefore 'tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother,' because he might have been lost, had you not spoken with him. " (excerpt from Sermon 82.7) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Matthew 18:15-20 comments that it is only after these attempts at reconciliation have failed that Jesus tells us to take the final step of placing some distance between ourselves and the other person. But again, this is not so that we can judge and condemn them. He’s the only One who can judge, and even he didn’t come to condemn (John 3:17). Instead, that distance can diffuse tension and help us to focus on interceding for the person. It can also help us create space in our own hearts for God’s mercy to heal us of any wounds or bitterness that might have crept in.

Sin is a very destructive force. Its effects can fester and linger long after any one sin has been committed. That’s why Jesus has given us this teaching. He doesn’t want anyone to remain trapped by its power. So he promises to be with us as we try to address sin with one another (Matthew 18:20). He promises always to help us as we seek to “loose” one another from its grasp (18:18).

“Jesus, help me to be an ambassador of your reconciliation.” (Meditation on Matthew 18:15-20, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler ponders the prohibition of Moses to enter the Promised Land. Moses, Elijah, and Enoch are mentioned in apocalyptic books as people with special death scenarios that gave them understanding of heaven. The brother or sister that rejects intervention from the Church, is not really a member of the community. Friar Jude notes the communal dimension of our faith as expressed in the process of reconciliation. 

 

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, notes the mystic Catherine of Siena (1347–1380) models the radical traditionalism identified as central to the prophet. Joan Chittister describes Catherine’s powerful witness.

“All things are possible for God who has created everything from nothing. I know that you say this from humility, but you must know that in these days pride has grown monstrously among men, and chiefly among those who are learned and think they understand everything…. I have chosen unschooled women, fearful and weak by nature, but trained by Me in the knowledge of the divine, so that they may put vanity and pride to shame.…” [1]

Because of those heretical words of Jesus [to the society of her day], Catherine of Siena became spiritual mother, public figure, political prophet, Doctor of the Church. She read souls, guided priests, negotiated between city-states, chastised two popes, and became an emissary to the state from the Vatican…. (Rohr, 2023)

We express gratitude for the action of community to involve us in piety, study, and action as humble servants of the Lord.

References

Brock, M. L. (2023, August 16). Creighton U. Daily Reflection. Online Ministries. Retrieved August 16, 2023, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/081623.html 

Matthew, CHAPTER 18. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved August 16, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/18?15 

Meditation on Matthew 18:15-20. (n.d.). The Word Among Us: Homepage. Retrieved August 16, 2023, from https://wau.org/meditations/2023/08/16/761143/ 

Psalms, PSALM 66. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved August 16, 2023, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/66?1 

Rohr, R. (2023, August 16). A Female Prophet to the Church — Center for Action and Contemplation. CAC Daily Meditations 2023. Retrieved August 16, 2023, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-female-prophet-to-the-church-2023-08-16/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). If Your Brother Sins against You. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved August 16, 2023, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2023&date=aug16