Woe to you Chorazin and Bethsaida! Following the commissioning of the twelve (which in a way interrupted the preaching of the kingdom which Jesus had embarked upon), Jesus resumes his preaching tour. In today’s Gospel reading, we encounter a somewhat agitated Jesus. Perhaps feeling let down by the failure of the people to hearken to his preaching, Jesus lets them know what he thinks of them. Without mincing his words, he singles out three towns for reproach: Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum. Out of curiosity, I did some research for any information on these towns that might have led to Jesus singling them out. I was curious because Jesus was met with indifference in many of the places in which he preached. What I found was nothing out of the ordinary. And so I was only left with what Jesus accused them of: their refusal to repent! 
Jesus’ ministry was characterized by preaching and the working of mighty deeds (or miracles as we call them). Most of these miracles were in the form of relieving the burdens that people bore: sickness, hunger, and demons. Jesus’ message of God’s love for people was accompanied by actions that often served as a demonstration of that love. But the miracles also served another purpose: bringing people to faith (arousing the faith of those who observed them). The message of Jesus was supposed to effect in the people a change of lifestyle and attitude. Anyone who genuinely encounters Jesus can never be left unchanged. This is perhaps what Jesus meant by repentance. Maybe there was a certain way of doing things or a certain way of relating to people that was missing in these communities. Jesus expected those who heard his message to look deep within themselves in order to see what aspects of their lifestyle that needed to be changed. Unfortunately, the residents of Chorazin and Bethsaida refused to change their way of life. They did nothing! They responded to Jesus’ invitation with indifference! Repentance demands change – a change of heart and way of life. God's word is life-giving and it saves us from destruction – the destruction of heart, mind, and soul as well as body. Jesus' anger is directed toward sin and everything which hinders us from doing the will of God. In love, he calls us to walk in his way of truth and freedom, grace and loving-kindness, justice and holiness. 
How do we receive God’s word- with faith and obedience or with doubt and indifference?If Jesus were to visit our community today, what would he say? Would he issue a warning like the one he gave to Chorazin and Bethsaida? And how would we respond?