Word to the Wise
Wednesday, February 3, 2016 - Wednesday in the 4th Week in Ordinary Time
[2 Sam 24:2, 9-17 and Mark 6:1-6]"A prophet is not without honor excpt 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. [Mark]
If today's gospel scripture sounds familiar it may be because St. Luke's version of this incident was the gospel scripture for this past Sunday! The Gospel of Mark is much more blunt and confrontational. Jesus is rejected because he was getting "above himself." This is the village mentality at work. They were not about to accept him, no matter how smart he seemed to be. It was as if he were the only person in the village who went and got an education and now expects everyone else to pay attention to him. That mentality prevented faith from forming. The gift is rejected because the wrapping is not acceptable. The sick people, however, still benefitted from his care even if his own family and household weren't interested. This disinterest served as a block to Jesus!
There's an old saying, "Nobody is going to be dragged kicking and screaming into heaven!" We have been given the freedom to accept or reject God's love and care. To a person of faith,the consequences of this decision are very hard and when we see this in our loved ones or community, it can be very distressing. The Gospel of Mark is saying that Jesus experienced rejection at every level: family, community, disciples, religious authorities. The ways of rejection are many and sometimes very selective. We would do well to look within and see if any of them are operating in our lives. We may be preventing Jesus from helping us! AMEN
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