REJECTING MESSENGERS 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 sends several prophets to the people of Israel to correct their sinful ways. But the people rebel against Lord God's prophets and refuse to obey the Lord God. Ezekiel is sent by the Lord God to speak to the people in His name. As a result of his preaching, Ezekiel has to face much persecutions, rejections and scorn from the people because he spoke in the name of the Lord God. Ezekiel is in distress that people do not want to change their ways and return to the Lord God.
*Second reading is from the second letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul admits that he too has many weaknesses although he received many revelations and blessings from God. However, Paul is not discouraged or disillusioned because Lord Jesus assures him that: 'My grace is sufficient for you.' This assurance of the Lord is for all of us, who are troubled and disturbed by our many weaknesses and failures and day-to-day problems. 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. Hence, Paul could firmly say: 'When I am weak, then I am strong.'
Jesus' rejection at Nazareth Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. During His public life, Jesus goes around preaching, teaching and healing in many towns and villages in Judea, Samaria and Galilee. Finally, He comes to Nazareth, His home town, where He was brought up and where His kith and kin live. Although Jesus by now had a great reputation as a great prophet all over Palestine, His own people fail to recognize Him and do not acclaim Him when He comes there. Ironically, instead of admiration and validation, He faces scorn and ridicule. Their attitude is: 'After all, He is a carpenter's son. We know His family background.' They do not want to accept the fact that God is in their midst and He communicates through Jesus, a carpenter's son. Jesus is totally disappointed and disillusioned by their scornful attitude. Hence, He says: 'No prophet is acceptable in his own country, in his own relations and in his own house.' On several occasions in the past, we might have rejected God and His chosen messengers. It may also happen that we have faced rejections and scorn from our own family or in our community. Jesus has shown us the way to deal with such situations in life. He does not stop His ministry because the people of Nazareth rejected Him. He does not blame others or God for His failures and lack of acceptance among the people of Nazareth. He takes it on His stride. Nazareth marks a learning experience in the life of Jesus. A proverb says: "Familiarity breeds contempt." May Jesus open our hearts to hear what His prophets are saying to us; sometimes to provoke and rebuke us and at other times, to inspire and encourage us. May He also increase our faith so that we can respond to His prophetic message and allow Him to work in and through us. Amen.
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