those who heard him were astonished. But they said, “How did this come to him? What kind of
wisdom has been given to him, that he also performs such miracles? Who is he but the
carpenter, the Son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon?
His sisters, too, are they not here among us?” So they took offense at him. And Jesus said to
them, “Prophets are despised only in their own country, among their relatives, and in their own
family.” And he could work no miracles there, but only healed a few sick people, by laying his
hands on them. Jesus himself was astounded at their unbelief.
Reflect
“Prejudices” Perhaps, we have already heard the statement that says familiarity often breeds
contempt. This is because when we are already familiar with something, the instinctive tendency
is to presume right away that we already know everything about it. Consequently, we may be
locked up with our own biases. Moreover, the prejudices that we have against anyone for
example can hinder us to allow more spaces for genuine encounter. We may become more
judgmental while the challenge is to be more open. We are called to create occasions for
encounters leading to the deepening of our knowledge of the other in order to overcome
biases stifling the growth of relationship. The people’s encounter with Jesus, in the
today’s Gospel, should have made them longing to know more of Jesus. However, their
own prejudices robbed them of the opportunity to grow more of their knowledge of Jesus
and of Jesus’ authority. They thought they already knew Jesus very well. But because of
their lack of faith, reinforced by their own biases against Jesus, they took offense at him.
As we continue our faith journey, may we let go of whatever hinders us to know Jesus
more and recognize his authority over us.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2024