Fourteenth Sunday of the Year:B: July 4, 2021

 REJECTION OF THE PROPHETS OF GOD

First Reading: Ezekiel 2:2-5

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10

Gospel Reading: Mark 6: 1-6

   *First reading is from the book of Prophet Ezekiel. The Lord God sent several prophets to Israel but they rebelled against them and did not obey the Lord God. Prophet Ezekiel was instructed by the Lord God to speak to the people in His name and see whether they would listen to him or not. Ezekiel had to face persecution,  rejection and scorn from the chosen people of God. 

   *Second reading is from the second letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul admits that he too has weaknesses in spite of receiving many revelations and blessings from God. However Paul is not discouraged or disillusioned because the Lord assured him that, 'My grace is sufficient for you.' This is an assurance for all of us who are troubled by our many weaknesses, failures and problems that disturb us and hurt us. Paul assures us that when we trust in the grace of God, our weaknesses become a source of strength because we are no more trusting in ourselves but in the powerful grace of God. 

Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth                                                         Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. Jesus came to Nazareth, His home town, after His preaching, teaching and healing in many towns and villages in Judea, Samaria and Galilee. He came to Nazareth where he was brought up and where His kith and kin lived. Although he had a great reputation as a prophet all over Palestine, His own people failed to recognize Him and acclaim Him. Instead of admiration and acceptance He faced scorn and ridicule. Their attitude was : after all He is a carpenter's son. We know His family background. They could not accept the fact that God is in their midst and He communicates through Jesus the carpenter's son. Jesus was totally disappointed and disillusioned by their scornful attitude. Hence He said, 'No prophet is acceptable in his own country, in his own relations and in his own house'.                                                   There are several occasions in the past when we have rejected God and His chosen messengers. It may also happen that we may have faced rejections from our own family or our community. Jesus has shown us the way. He did not stop His ministry because the people of Nazareth rejected Him. He did not blame others or God for His failures and lack of acceptance. Nazareth was certainly a learning experience in the life of Jesus. 

"Familiarity breeds contempt." - Proverb