Gospel Reading: Mk 6:1-6
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 Joses 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.
THEY TOOK OFFENSE AT HIM.
Jesus comes to teach in the synagogue of Nazareth on a Sabbath. Those who hear him are astonished at his wisdom. Yet they do not accept him because of his family background – he is just a carpenter. They know that his mother and relatives are just ordinary citizens. So they take offense at him.
Their biases have blinded them to the good news of salvation that Jesus brings. The rejection, however, does not hinder Jesus from continuing his mission of teaching and healing. Although he could not convince them, he lays his hands on a few sick people who ask to be healed.
Why can Jesus not seem to work marvels in your life?
Bring those reasons to him in prayer.
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SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord,” ST PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 895-9701; Fax 895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
