July 30, 2010 - Friday of the 17th Week in Ordinary Time

Jer 26:1-9 * Ps 69 * Mt 13:54-58

THE REJECTION AT NAZARETH

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, "Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter's son? Is he not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?" and they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house." And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.

 

FOR BEING A PROPHET

P rophets were spokespersons for God. God conveyed his message for his people through prophets like Jeremiah. There are special times when our own words spoken at the right time, in the right place, to the right person and in the right manner, become god's words to another human being. Then in a small but special way, we become prophets. But we have to immediately add that in doing so we mist be ready to suffer like all other prohets. Jeremiah warned the people of ineveitable destruction, unless theu turned from their suicidal public policies and lifestyle, towards covenant living with God. The result was that "all the people laid hand on him saying, 'you shall die'" (Jer 26:8). Jesus too preached repentance but with little of Jeremiah's harshness, for his message was overlain with love. And yet, he too met with rejection and rebuff from his own town people who "took offense at him" (Mt 13:57). for being a prophet in your office; neighbours may whisper behind your back; people may smile stiffly at your words of witness; you may beleft out at parties. When it happens, don't fret or feel intimadated. That is the prince we all have to pay for being a prophet.

(Taken from His Word for Today by Vima Dasan, S.J, published by Paulines. Visit us at www.paulines.ph or at Paulines Media Centers.)

 

Sower’s Thought: "If our will is to be both docile and yet firm, we have to overcome all obstacles and use positive means. One external obstacle is human respect, whereby a person does good or commits evil to gain the respect of others. It is a voluntary slavery. Another obstacle is bad example, in the form of worldly maxims. These have a very powerful effect on human beings who of their nature tend towards evil. A third obstacle is the devil. The serpent, who used guile against our progenitors, now does the same against all those of good will." - Blessed James Alberione, Founder of the Pauline Family