Reflection for Friday July 31 Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Priest: 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.

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Reflection:

Are we quick to disrespect our fellow human beings based on what we think we know about them?

Disrespect was the attitude of Jesus’ townmates toward Him because they were familiar with Him. To them, He was merely the carpenter’s son. They thought they knew Him so well that they belittled and dismissed Him. Their familiarity with Jesus became a barrier that kept them from recognizing the greatness of the One standing before them.

But if we look deeper into their hearts, we can also see that they were filled with envy and hatred toward Jesus. They were envious of the admiration and respect that He received from the people. Envy and hatred are destructive emotions that darken our judgment, harden our hearts, and rob us of the peace and wholeness that God desires for us. When we allow these attitudes to take root within us, we begin to see others through the lens of pride, prejudice, and resentment instead of through the eyes of faith and love.

Jesus knew of His townmates’ envy, disdain, and lack of faith in Him. That is why He did not perform many miracles in His native place. Their unbelief prevented them from fully experiencing the blessings, healing, and grace that He longed to give. How tragic it is when our own pride, preconceived judgments, or refusal to believe become obstacles that keep us from receiving what God desires to do in our lives.

The same invitation is before us today. Jesus continues to come to us—through His Word, the Holy Eucharist, the people around us, and even in the ordinary moments of daily life. Yet familiarity, pride, or prejudice can also blind us to His presence and His work among us. May we ask the Holy Spirit to open our eyes, soften our hearts, and deepen our faith so that we may recognize Jesus for who He truly is and welcome Him with humility, trust, and love.

As we encounter Jesus each day, will we allow familiarity, pride, envy, or prejudice to keep us from Him, or will we open our hearts in faith so that He may perform His transforming work within us?–Marino J. Dasmarinas