July 07, 2024 - Gospel Reading and Reflection

July 07, 2024
Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
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 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.
Reflection:
After a long day at work or in school, one would feel truly happy upon going home. Home is our #1 place of comfort. Amidst the noise all around the world, our home is our constant. I have exceptionally felt this recently, since my family and I went home to our province. There, we reunited with our loved ones - my grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and relatives. We stayed there for a month, and it was one of my most enjoyable experiences. Nothing can truly compare to a summer spent with my beloved family.
Now, in the Gospel, Jesus himself returned to his native place, Nazareth. Usually, it would be a beautiful, nostalgic experience to return to one's hometown. One might reminisce about their memories when they were young, at a time when they were still growing up. Going back home is usually a pleasant experience, however, in Jesus’ case, it wasn’t. Rejection was what he faced, not acceptance. People looked at him in disbelief. They knew of Jesus’ ministry back then, they were aware of the miracles he has performed and accomplished, but they remain unimpressed. They know the “mighty deeds” Jesus has performed, yet they refuse to acknowledge it all because he is the son of a carpenter. Jesus is regarded less than what truly he is because of a certain label.
Indeed, it is unfair of being seen less than what we truly are. In FIlipino terms, it’s like using the word “lang” which indicates one’s limits. How many times have you been discouraged because of your status or appearance? How many times have we been rejected because of a label that contains us into less than our true self? Reading the Gospel, I realized that Jesus has faced rejection many times, even at his own kin, hometown, and friends. All that we feel and experience was something he sympathized with because Jesus has worked and lived as a human as well. All this must not serve as an obstacle in serving our true purpose. Jesus knew that he was sent to serve, and even after hearing the people’s rejection, he continued to serve. Jesus knew his purpose, and served it excellently.
How about us? Yes, there are times when we feel disheartened and rejected, but we must look back to our purpose. Our purpose is to love. Like Jesus, let us serve our purpose with zeal in our hearts, defying all obstacles. Let love reign, despite all the “labels” that judge us.
Background Music:
Still
Songwriters: Reuben Timothy Morgan / Benjamin David Fielding
Artist: Hillsong Worship
Original Video: • Still - Hillsong Worship