Friday Week 17 Ordinary Time Year I
Gospel of Matthew 13:54-58 Reflection:
In today's Gospel we see an example of 'wee townitis' where the people of Jesus' home town cannot believe that one of their own has been given this wisdom and authority.
Any of us who came from small towns shall know about the 'he's getting too big for his boots,' syndrome. It is probably that small town people don't want to stand out and resent any of their townsfolk who make a name for themselves.
The people say "sure this is Joseph the carpenter's son, and the son of Mary."
Jesus is rejected and admits it when he says that a prophet is only recognised in his own house.
Does all this say anything to us?
An awful lot! Are we afraid to stand out and say what we have to say or do we play it safe? Do we want to proudly proclaim what we are or do we want to worship in private and silence?
These are big questions, especially for us who live in the ardently secular west or in countries where being a Catholic is almost seen as subversive.
Scripture can challange us directly; the big question for us is what is our response?
Gospel of Matthew 13:54-58 Reflection:
In today's Gospel we see an example of 'wee townitis' where the people of Jesus' home town cannot believe that one of their own has been given this wisdom and authority.
Any of us who came from small towns shall know about the 'he's getting too big for his boots,' syndrome. It is probably that small town people don't want to stand out and resent any of their townsfolk who make a name for themselves.
The people say "sure this is Joseph the carpenter's son, and the son of Mary."
Jesus is rejected and admits it when he says that a prophet is only recognised in his own house.
Does all this say anything to us?
An awful lot! Are we afraid to stand out and say what we have to say or do we play it safe? Do we want to proudly proclaim what we are or do we want to worship in private and silence?
These are big questions, especially for us who live in the ardently secular west or in countries where being a Catholic is almost seen as subversive.
Scripture can challange us directly; the big question for us is what is our response?
