Reflection for Sunday July 4, Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time: Mark 6:1-6

 

Gospel: Mark 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 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.

+ + + + +  + +

Reflection:

What is the feeling of a person who will be going back to the place where he devoted almost thirty years of his life? Of course it’s a mix feeling of excitement and anticipation. This must have been the feeling of Jesus while He was on His way to Nazareth: His native place.  

Unfortunately He got a rude welcome from His town mates, He was mocked, some even took offense at Him. Perhaps they were envious of Jesus sudden fame with the masses; perhaps they cannot accept that Jesus had become an eloquent and charismatic speaker and healer.  

As a consequence of their unbelieving attitude Jesus did not make any spectacular healings there for He was amazed at their lack of faith. Lack of faith in God could cost us a lot too. For example because our faith in God is lacking we would trust more on ourselves more than we trust God.  

And when we encounter trials many of us would question God rather than continue to trust and have faith. His townsfolk lack of faith invites us also to examine our own faith in Jesus. Is it still strong? – Marino J. Dasmarinas