The Rejection at Nazareth

Today's Reflections

The Rejection at Nazareth 

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Mt 13:54-58

⁵⁴[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? ⁵⁵Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? ⁵⁶Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?” ⁵⁷And 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.” ⁵⁸And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.

Reflection:

Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Jesus returns to his hometown Nazareth and preaches at the synagogue. Many who hear Jesus are amazed, but theirs is an astonishment not of admiration but of offense. They question his family background. They doubt his teachings. They reflect an attitude frequently hidden in man towards his fellowman: an attitude of discrimination, indifference, and misconception.

The former town mates of Jesus question his capacity and family background because they are lacking in faith. Faith is to accept what God says and does to us. It is faith not to question his ways or doubt his will. When we have faith, God will perform mighty deeds for us. There will be healing miracles.

Can you remember persons against whom you have discriminated?

How can we eliminate prejudice among us?