Reflection for February 1, 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 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.

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Reflection:

Have you experienced the feeling of envy? 

Envy and lack of faith are negative emotions that deprives us of peace of mind it also deprives us of unfathomable blessings from God. For example, if we envy our neighbor because they have a higher status in life. We would normally try very hard to also match their lifestyle even at the expense of our own financial difficulties.  

When Jesus went back to His native place He was met with scorn by His town mates because they envied Him. They were surprised of the miracles that He does, so; they questioned His miracles and they even belittled him. 

They did this to Jesus because they know Him well as someone who was ordinary like them. They grew up with him they only focused on this aspect of Jesus’ life: His being human like them. They purposely closed their eyes on His God given abilities. Even if they were aware of it they refused to acknowledge the many miracles of Jesus. 

What happened to them? Because of their doubt and unbelief Jesus was not able to perform mighty deeds for them. This will happen to us also once we start to doubt on our faith in Jesus. Doubting Jesus or doubting ourselves if we can accomplish an endeavor will never do us any good. Therefore, instead of doubting the power of Jesus, why not believe and have faith? Instead of doubting if we can accomplish this or that goal, why not work hard and leave everything to the mercy and power of God?  

Our faith and belief in Jesus will always be rewarded with something beautiful it may not come on the time that we want it. However, if we would be patient, if we will be willing to wait and never give up to work for it there will be abundant reward that awaits us. – Marino J. Dasmarinas