Reflection for February 4 Wednesday of the Fourth Week 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 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.

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Reflection:   

There was a successful man who, after his death, was given lavish praise by his relatives and friends during his wake—praise he truly deserved because he was a good and humble man. Yet these were praises they had purposely not told him while he was still alive because they envied him.

Oftentimes, we wait until it is too late before we express our appreciation for the goodness that we see in others. Oftentimes, our pride, our jealousy, or our silence prevents us from giving encouragement to those who deserve it while they are still with us.

When Jesus went back to the place where He grew up, Nazareth, He went to their synagogue to teach. He spoke with wisdom and eloquence. Yet Jesus did not receive any congratulatory acknowledgment—not even a simple handshake or a gesture of recognition from His former townmates.

Instead, Jesus received derision and scorn because they could not accept that a former carpenter could speak to them with such wisdom and authority. This was someone they knew very well, yet they could not accept that He would one day speak in their house of worship. So, they belittled Jesus instead of giving Him the well-deserved recognition.

If we reflect deeply, do we not sometimes act like the townmates of Jesus? Many of us can be quick to judge and belittle our fellowmen and even our relatives who have achieved a certain degree of success in their lives. Instead of rejoicing with them, we sometimes allow envy and pride to take root in our hearts.

Why are we quick to belittle? Why are we quick to give unjust judgment? This can come from envy, from our very high regard for ourselves, and perhaps from our status in life. 

At times, we place ourselves on a pedestal so high that we can no longer bend our knees in humility before God and before others. We can no longer recognize worthy achievements because our eyes are clouded by the cataract of our egos and self-image. And when we are quick to judge and scorn others, we also open ourselves to the same judgment and scorn. 

As followers of Christ, we are called to live differently. We are called to rejoice with those who rejoice, to encourage rather than to discourage, and to lift others up rather than pull them down. When we celebrate the blessings and successes of others, we reflect the love, humility, and generosity of the Lord. 

Let us not judge. Let us not envy. Instead, let us choose to be happy for those who achieve success. Let us learn to affirm, appreciate, and encourage one another while we still have the chance. 

Today, let us examine our hearts. Are we building others up, or are we silently tearing them down through envy, pride, or indifference? 

If Jesus were to stand before us today—not as someone distant, but as someone we already know—would we recognize Him with humility and love, or would we allow pride and envy to blind our hearts? —Marino J. Dasmarinas