Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

REJECTED BY HIS OWN

A PROPHET IS NOT WITHOUT HONOR EXCEPT IN HIS NATIVE PLACE

Dear Lord, help us confront our own biases and preconceptions, so we may better recognize your presence in unexpected places and people. Grant us the grace to accept your truth, even when it challenges our understanding. Inspire us to extend healing and compassion, regardless of reception. Strengthen our faith, knowing that your wisdom surpasses our own understanding.

Share a time when somebody you didn’t expect said something amazing?

Two deacons from the Central America Pilgrimage Retreat praying in front of the vestments St. Oscar Romero was wearing when he was killed.

When St. Oscar Romero became archbishop of El Salvador during the violent civil wars in the late 1970s he was a little known local bishop and not many people expected much from him. When he began to speak out against the violence and the oppression of the poor, he encountered strong opposition, not only from the government and powerful families, but even within the Church by his fellow bishops and even Pope John Paul II. Nonetheless, although there were threats, he persisted with his prophetic message of love. However, on March 24, 1980, while celebrating mass, he was assassinated by government death squads. His message of peace did not die with him, for as he said, “If they kill me, I will rise again in the Salvadoran people.” (Maryknoll Magazine, March 2022)

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. Mk 6:1-6

When Jesus encounters faith in people, he is able to perform miracles. But in this reading, he bumps up against the lack of faith that a prophet receives in their native land. Jesus’ nearness to them makes them doubt his nearness to the divine. How can someone so close to us, be close to God? Sometimes, we overestimate how distant the presence of God is and underestimate our ability to be bearers of God’s presence to the world. As missionary disciples, we are temples of the Holy Spirit and empowered to carry out God’s mission.

How is the Spirit calling us to speak the truth of justice within our own community, even if we are afraid to be ignored or rejected?

Post in your social media (or bring to in-person community) this question: “How do you or a person you consider to be a leader speak truth to power in your community?” Based on the responses you get, consider starting a social media group (or in-person group) to see how you can establish common coalitions around similar issues.

Gracious God, as we reflect on the power of unexpected voices to inspire and challenge us, may we answer the call to speak the truth, even in the face of opposition. Help us to remain open to the surprising ways you work in our lives and communities. May we, like Jesus, overcome doubt and disbelief with steadfast faith in your presence among us. Empower us to sow seeds of justice and hope, trusting in your promise that truth will ultimately prevail.