A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Mt 13:54-58)
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 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.
As Jesus comes to his hometown of Nazareth, people who know him are astonished at his words and hearing of his miracles. Matthew tells us that the people take offense at Jesus, the carpenter’s son whose mother is Mary and whose brothers they know by name. Because of their lack of faith, Jesus did not perform many miracles in his native place. Although their disbelief seems extraordinary, Jesus is taken for granted and his identity as the beloved Son of God is unrecognized in the same way that we might take for granted the so-called ordinary people who are closest to us. How does their practice of virtue, their imitation of Christ, lead us to grow in relationship with God?
God, help me see in the spiritual struggles of those closest to me that you are calling them to holiness. Help me recognize my role in supporting them and helping nurture their relationship with you. “The way of perfection,” the Catechism says, “passes by way of the Cross. There is no holiness without renunciation and spiritual battle.” Give me the grace to see you as you enter into relationship with each other in the seeming ordinariness of their lives. Give me strength to hold on to my cross.
Lord, help me in my disbelief and ongoing conversion. From the Gospel acclamation, “The word of the Lord remains forever; this is the word that has been proclaimed to you.” Saint John Vianney, pray for us!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.