To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Commentary on the Gospel of October 3, 2025
Chilling
If we are able to read this, it is because we have a computer—or maybe a good friend who provides it for us—and because we have the interest to look up what Scripture is saying to us today. That means we have opportunity, access to resources, and, in some way, we have been called. In many respects, we are privileged. We cannot claim ignorance as an excuse to fall into error or evil. If we did, it would be guilty ignorance. The truth has been right within our reach.
That is why Jesus tells His followers today: those who have been able to hear, who have had the opportunity, and yet have not followed God’s ways, are far more guilty than those who never had that chance and therefore did not repent. The judgment will be much harsher for those who had the means and did not use them—or used them badly. We have the Word of God, and it is clear: “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Would it then be better not to know anything, never to have heard? Some might say yes. But the truth is, it is not better to pass through life in darkness and miss the joy of knowing the Gospel and drawing near to God. Jesus’ words are not a defense of ignorance, but a call: to respond freely to what we have freely received; a call to repentance for our daily failings; a call to live facing God; a call to gratitude for all that has been given to us.
It is a bit chilling to hear Jesus’ “Woe to you!” and to think of the time we have wasted. But there is still time. Because what would be even more chilling is to arrive at the final judgment and see all the goodness, all the truth, and all the beauty that could have been ours for years—if only we had received it. Do we prefer to be Chorazin or Tyre?