"...They would have reformed in sackcloth and ashes long ago." (Mt. 11: 21)

Miracles are not the greatest gifts that we receive from God. Miracles are good gifts, indeed extraordinary gifts that, because they are so unusual, have a tremendous impact on our feelings and give us a strong understanding of the Lord’s presence and His goodness.

The abundant and silent gifts are those that we receive every day from the Lord which go unnoticed... like our very existence. Yet so accustomed are we to them that we don’t even notice -- nor are we moved by -- them.

In many ways we act like children. The love that flows forth from their parents, and does so all through their life, does not impress them... and indeed they cry out "you don’t love me!" if they don’t get what they want, when they want it.

Jesus chastised Chorazin and Bethsaida for not responding with gratitude to His love, manifested in His miracles.

From us, Jesus asks of us response to the numerous benefits that we have received every moment for all our lives.

Jesus seeks that we respond to His love with repentance. "If the miracles worked in you had taken place in Tyre and Sidon, they would have reformed..."

How long will wait in the needed conversion of heart -- especially the ingratitude shown as sin against He who sustains us?

Reflection and commentary

Psalm 102: "You will again show mercy to Zion; now is the time for pity; the appointed time has come."

St. Bonaventure, d. 1274; O.F.M. Minister General for 17 years; authored many ascetical and spiritual treatises, earning him the title, "Seraphic Doctor".