Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So, he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.
Breaking the text open:
The gospel reading for today, Wednesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time, continues our reading from the Gospel of Mark. Today’s text recounts Jesus’ experience when He returned to his native place, his hometown. The reception of his teaching authority, his wisdom and miracles was different from others places in that the people rejected these wondrous gifts. The rationale for the rejection was that they knew Jesus from his youth, they knew his family; their familiarity with him robbed them of the ability to see him clearly in his new role and mission. Their lack of belief thwarted Jesus’ ability to teach them because they were not open to his message.
Meditating on the text:
How open am I to the LORD’s will expressed through others? How open am I to the gifts of others?
Praying:
LORD, Almighty Father, help me as I journey to You, to be open to the gifts of others who share the journey with me. Send the Spirit to open my mind, my heart, my eyes to the wondrous gifts you have given to others whom I encounter along the way. Grant that I may accept their gifts and encourage them to use them for your glory and in service to our sisters and brothers. As I journey as a disciple of your beloved Son, let me be an instrument of your will and divine design as Christ showed us. I ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Spirit, one LORD, forever and ever. Amen.
Comments