14th Sunday IN ORDINARY TIME
Ez 2:2-5/2 Cor 12:7-10/Mk 6:1-6a (101)  

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 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 Joses and Judas and Simon?  And aren't 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.

Spiritual Reflection: I think it is important to realize that our lack of faith does not affect Jesus like Kryptonite affects Superman.  God is beyond our power to hurt or weakness in any way.  Jesus, because He is God and God is love, refuses to force himself upon others and thus He could perform few miracles because people did not ask Him.

Spiritual Questions:

1. Who is the most famous person you know?

2. Do you put limitations on him or her? For example, I would never ask the archbishop to wash the dishes.

3. Jesus probably knew what the people needed as well since He grew up there, so why were they afraid to ask for His assistance?

4. What does the phrase “familiarity breeds contempt” mean to you? 

5. What parts of your faith life have become too familiar to you and how can you reignite the mystery?