Reflection for May 1 Saturday of the Fourth Week of Easter: Matthew 13:54-58

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.

+ + + + + + +

Reflection:

Do we sometimes have a selective treatment of our fellow men and women?  The town mates of Jesus treated Him with disdain. Why because they could not believe Him speaking with wisdom in their synagogue. They knew Him as one coming from a family of laborers thus they couldn’t believe that Jesus would be able to do such an outstanding lecture in their synagogue. 

Instead of welcoming Him they treated Him with disdain. For they cannot accept that this man whom they know very well is now able to talk with wisdom. What drove them to belittle the Lord? It was their arrogance and high sense of themselves. Jesus town mates could not accept that this son of a carpenter could now become an exceptional preacher in their synagogue. 

Our arrogance and high regard of ourselves will do us no good. It even deprives us of so many blessings from Jesus. Just like what happened to His town mates who were deprived of many blessing from Jesus when they did not accept Him. 

Instead of being arrogant let us be humble, be respectful and always treat everyone with respect no matter their educational attainment and status in life. Let us not try hard to raise ourselves in the consciousness of others too. Let us let Jesus do it for us if we do so we would earn the respect of everybody. – Marino J. Dasmarinas