One of the core messages of the Book of Baruch is that the people needed to renew their dedication to God and to the covenant. In this reading, the emphasis is on the confession of sin. The author was writing about the corporate sin of the people, not just the sin of individuals. As a community they had sinned and had not repented. This gives us a great deal to think about today as we reflect on the plight of many in our world. Are we following the mob or protesting against unjustified patterns of distributing goods? What are we doing to make a difference for others? Are we following the way of Christ or ignoring what is happening to the poor and afflicted?

The message of the Gospel consistently emphasizes the need for repentance. Many "deeds of power" of Jesus had been done in Chorazin, Bethsaida and Capernaum and yet the people did not change their ways. It shows their attitude of complacency that they had no interest to pay attention and repent. Therefore, Jesus warned them that there would be consequences. Jesus then told the disciples that whoever rejected them and their message was rejecting Christ himself. These two passages remind us that to sin is certainly human, however, as followers of Jesus we need to repent for we know the true way to live. To be messengers of God is to witness that repentance is not shameful, but liberating.