Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday, July 7, 2024 Year B
Ezekiel 2:2–5; 2 Corinthians 12:7–10; Mark 6:1–6
We often say familiarity breeds contempt. In today’s gospel we are told that Jesus came to his hometown of Nazareth. As he walked through the familiar streets, his own countrymen recognized him only as the son of Mary and a humble carpenter. They knew his brothers and sisters from the extended family by their names.
As Jesus taught in the synagogue, his countrymen were astonished and even scandalized by his profound wisdom and extraordinary abilities. They reacted with incredulity, asking, “Where did this man get these things? What is the wisdom given to him? How are such mighty works done by his hands?” (Mark 6:2-3).
By questioning Jesus’ credentials, the people of Nazareth showed their inability to recognize the divine presence in their midst. They were unable to fathom the divine wisdom and power that resided in one of their own. They failed to see beyond the familiar face of their hometown neighbor, neglecting the extraordinary gifts and powers that lay within Jesus.
In their disbelief, they rejected the Saviour of the world who had come to bring them redemption and salvation. In so doing they fulfilled the saying that Jesus is that very “stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone” (Mk12:10-11.).
What then can we say about ourselves?
Let us be aware of the fact that the Word of God that Jesus spoke and the prophetic words of the prophets like Ezekiel continue to pierce our hearts today. The word of God is living and active, sharper than any sword, judging our thoughts and intentions (Hebrews 4:12).
Let us be encouraged by the response of the people of Israel after the exile, when they were gathered together by Nehemiah and were made to listen to the Word of God. As Ezra read from the Book of the Law, the people responded with ‘Amen, Amen’ and lifted their hands in worship, committing to obey God’s word (Nehemiah 8:6).
We can also learn from the crowds that came to the Jordan to listen to the preaching of John the Baptist. In their response to John they said: “What then shall we do?” (Luke 3:10). Hence, as we listen to the word of God and as we encounter Jesus in the ordinary people we meet daily in different life settings we can also say: What must we do?
Brothers and sisters in the Lord, the world in which we live is filled with distractions and doubts but the Word of God remains our anchor, our hope, and our salvation. May we embrace it as the living and active force. May it shape us into the people God created us to be.”
Having listened to today’s gospel, our prayer is that we may be able to recognize Jesus who presents himself to us in ordinary situations. May we see his presence in the faces of those around us, especially the humble and ordinary people of our times. May the Lord open our eyes and our hearts so that we may be able to receive his wisdom and mighty works in our lives.
May our Mother Mary pray for us.