While Prophet Isaiah, in the first reading, was sent by God to assure King Ahaz of God's protection, Jesus, in the Gospel passage gave stern warning to Chorazin , Bethsaida and Capernaum. The language Jesus used in the first instance is borrowed from the oracles against Tyre and Sidon as in Isaiah 23. To Capernaum, Jesus reminded them of the King of Babylon who fancied himself as one to 'rival the Most High' (Is.14:14). Prophet Isaiah was sent to this king and said what Jesus said to Capernaum.

In the same context, Jesus certainly lamented the hard-heartedness of his own contemporaries. Our daily readings often remind us of our own reluctance to repent from our indifference and self-centredness - paying no attention to those who suffer and are marginalized and rejected in society.

As we celebrate the feast of St. Bonaventure today, let us be conscious of our responsibility to be agents of reconciliation where hatred and unforgiveness prevail. In the Council of Lyon, St. Bonaventure tried to reconcile Churches of the East and the West. In the same spirit, let us take concrete actions to be 'bridges' and peace makers in situations of conflict around us.