Ex 2:2-5
As he spoke to me, the spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard the one who was speaking say to me: Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, a nation of rebels who have rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have been in revolt against me to this very day. Their children are bold of face and stubborn of heart- to them I am sending you. You shall say to them: Thus says the Lord God. And whether they hear or resist- they are a rebellious house- they shall know that a prophet has been among them.
Second Reading
2 Cor 12:7-10
Because of the abundance of the revelations. Therefore, that I might not become too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." I will rather boast gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
Gospel
Mk 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 synagogues, 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 Joset 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. He went around to the villages in the vicinity teaching.
The Word in other words
I find it hard to understand the Gospel today, probably today because of cultural differences between the thinking if the Jews and the Filipino mind. Among us for example, when someone successful or famous comes back and visits his/her hometown, the whole town will prepare and give that person a joyous welcome. The people feel proud to be part of that person's success and fame.
With Jesus, it was the opposite. He was met with murmuring and great prejudice. Instead of pride Jesus encountered suspicions and disbelief. "Where did his wisdom come from? Is he not the carpenter?"
Like jealous and hatred, prejudice could lead to murder. So strong could prejudice be that a prejudiced person can choose to remain blind in front of glaring facts. Somebody calls it "self-inflicting blindness." Being blinded, he or she strikes like a serpent to an unknowing suspect.
Jesus could not let his healing touch flow into unbelieving hearts. He waits with enduring patience for a change of heart. Meanwhile he moves on and seeks more fertile grounds to scatter the seeds of his kingdom.
- Fr. Atilano Corcuera, SVD (DWST, Tagaytay City)
