
Jesus’ ministry is beginning to grow. He is gathering followers from all over. In the midst of this, he returns to his hometown. Perhaps they were excited to see their home grown hero, this child they had watched grow up. It is a small town and if you have ever lived in one, you know the reputation of small towns is well earned. We all know a little too much of each other’s business. We know the good, the bad, and the ugly about our neighbors.
In Mark’s account, we don’t know exactly what Jesus preached upon in the Temple. We only know the reaction of His family and friends. Luke’s account includes Jesus reading from Isaiah 61:1-2, a reading with strong messianic implications. How can this be? Their familiarity with Jesus breeds complacency. Unable to see past what they already know, they push Him out. As much as He longs to heal and give grace, He is unable to do much, because, just who does He think He is? The people of Nazareth are so content in their knowledge of Jesus, they fail to enter into a relationship with Him.
How often is this true for us? How often do we fall into the routine of our faith life – we recite our prayers, we attend Mass on schedule, we check all the boxes in our knowledge of our faith – but we don’t stop long enough to enter into a relationship with Jesus. Relationships are not the result of checklists or scheduled to-do’s. Relationships are the result of time, of give and take. Relationships require an invitation from the heart and space to grow.
Today’s Gospel is a call to examine our own conscience regarding our relationship with Jesus. Have we grown complacent? Do we attend every Mass with awe at the miracle which happens before us? Do we recall how the Creator of the universe humbles himself to be present in bread and wine in order to be intimately acquainted with us? Are our prayers recited out of a sense of duty or are they an invitation for Jesus to dwell within us? With each Hail Mary, do we truly desire that Jesus change us from the inside out, to form our hearts to be like his? To recreate us in the mold of His mother?
Today’s Gospel challenges us to choose between “Where did this man get all this?” and Mary’s “Let it be done unto me according to your word.” Afterall, His words are the words of everlasting life. They give meaning not only to our forever, but to our today, to this moment, in this time, and that should be enough to keep us from getting complacent.
Daily Reading
Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading I Jeremiah 17:5-8 Thus says the LORD: Cursed is the one who trusts in human beings, who seeks his strength in flesh, whose heart turns away from the LORD….
Saint of the Day
Saint Onesimus
Saint Onesimus, a first-century slave, converted by St. Paul, later became a bishop and martyr, epitomizing redemption and faith.
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