Gospel: Matthew 13:54-58
(Jesus) came to his native place and taught the people in their
synagogue. They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom
and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary
and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with
us? Where did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus
said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in
his own house.” And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their
lack of faith.
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Reflection:
What if Jesus was a doctor during His time; would they treat Him differently?
Would they treat Him with high esteem instead of belittling Him? Of course His
townmates would have treated Him with high respect for He was a doctor. But the
reality is He was a carpenter and a carpenter’s son. So, they belittled Him and
as a result Jesus did not do many miracles in their place.
Sad to say but this is also happening to us, we have different measures
and treatment for different people. Many of us treat the rich and educated with
high esteem and we regard differently those who are poor and less educated.
Education and status in life is a deceiving standard to gauge the
morality, sincerity and kindness of a person. In the heart of an ordinary
person we often times find moral fitness, sincerity and kindness. This we often
fail to recognize for the reason that we already judge them based on their
life's status.
The town mates of Jesus failed to discover this in Jesus because they
judge Him based on His life's status. If only they did not disparage Jesus they
could have discovered the gentleness of Jesus but they belittled Him for He was
just an ordinary carpenter’s son for them.
Perhaps one of the many lessons the gospel imparts to us is not to
belittle anyone regardless who they may be. Who knows the people that we
belittle are the ones with pure hearts and the ones who will be there for us in
our time of need.
Are we quick to judge for the reason of one’s physical appearance, education and status in life? – Marino J. Dasmarinas
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