Netherworld

Jesus began to reproach the towns where most of his mighty deeds had been done, they had not repented. “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would long ago have repented in sackcloth and ashes. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. 

And as for you, Capernaum: Will you be exalted to heaven? You will go down to the nether world. For if the mighty deeds done in your midst had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” (Matthew 11:20-24)

This passage has Jesus criticize the towns of Bethsaida and Capernaum where he visited and performed “mighty deeds.”  Apparently, these communities did not change their ways so Jesus mentions their destinations on the day of judgement: the netherworld. 

Today some communities, cities, and towns have not changed their ways meaning government leaders and citizens have refused to abide by social distancing, mask-wearing, and other important ways to slow down the coronavirus.  Woe to you Houston!  Dallas!  Chicago!  Minneapolis-St Paul! Atlanta!  Tampa-St. Petersburg! and Orlando! just to name few metro areas where infections are highest.  Mighty infections are in your midst!

Health-care workers in areas hard-hit by the virus are in netherworlds of despair, fear, and confusion.  We all long for the days when there is no more coronavirus woe especially for those having to devote every day and waking hour to help prevent victims from encountering their days of judgement.

Deacon David Pierce