A reading from the holy Gospel according to 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 Joseph 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: "And they took offense at him."
Lunch date with friends usually turns into several hours of eating, laughing and sharing tales. Many times we get updates on problems or hear something new. We always talk about Jesus, share scripture passages and thank Him for our many blessings.
God wants us all to be saved. He invites us to let Him in our lives and hearts. We might just be that person that God has chosen to bring others to the Faith.
Teaching, preaching, treating each other with love are crucial for the salvation of those we have been asked to minister. Jesus was doing God's will when He went back to Nazareth. Yet, He was met with,
"... And they took offense at Him". Could it be they knew Him growing up and were jealous of His wisdom? Or could it be they found His teachings too demanding, too strict, or was it that they lacked belief in Him?
When we want someone to visit, we send out the invite, wait for the acceptance, allow that person in our homes or our lives and hearts and we make them welcome when we are with them. The call for fellowship is very strong in all of us. When we meet with friends or are with strangers, let us bring God to all, never hesitating to speak of God and all He has done. God will take care of the rest.
God Bless.
