Reflection on the Readings - Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place…”
- Mark 6: 5

Today’s Gospel of Jesus’ rejection by his own people begins where last Sunday’s left off. Jesus came to his “native place” offering gifts of wisdom and healing. Amazingly, the townspeople “took offense at him.” Ever been in that situation? I have! It is not fun.

In Mark, this event comes after four miracle stories, whereas in Luke it occurs at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry, and in Matthew it follows a series of parables Jesus uses to describe the kingdom of heaven. Evidently Mark chose to place this scene here in order to connect Jesus’ mighty deeds, which were only a prelude to his Resurrection, with his rejection.

Those in the synagogue not only had difficulty understanding Jesus’ teaching, but they also knew something of the “mighty deeds” that he had performed and this too troubled them.
Many of us face misunderstandings and rejection in our daily living. We might make a comment to someone which is taken the wrong way. Our values and lifestyle might turn people away from us. No matter who is involved in this misunderstanding and rejection, it always hurts. It hurts even more so when the hurt comes from those close to us – family and friends.

However, we must persevere to bring the message of Christ to the world. We may not do the “mighty deed” of healing the sick, but we can surely visit them and bring a word of hope. We might not all be theologians, but we can speak from our hearts the conviction of God’s word in Scripture which we’ve heard over and over again at Mass and in private prayer.

Question for reflection: How am I a source of God’s wisdom and healing for others?