SUFFERINGS FROM OUR OWN FAMILY AND FRIENDS - 2/1/23 (Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time)

Mark 6:3

“Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/020123.cfm

Blessed Wednesday! When Jesus came back to His native place, the Nazareth, He preached to His own people, but they did not accept Him unlike what others did. Instead, they wondered as to how it could be possible for Him to have wisdom with a suspicious perspective instead of simply believing in His message. They belittled Him by calling Jesus merely as a carpenter, and they were offended by His words. Before we continue with this reflection, it's important for us to understand that the words "brothers" and "sisters" in Greek do not always refer to biological siblings because these words can be used to other relatives like cousins. This is explained in the article below this reflection about the perpetual virginity of Mary. Because of their lack of faith, Jesus was only able to cure a few people, and He even said that a prophet was not accepted in His own place. If some Israelites could not accept a prophet who came to their own place, how difficult it would be for them to accept God Himself. 

Though it's true that there are lack of faith and envy in the part of those in Nazareth, we should not neglect the love of Christ for them. Despite knowing their lack of faith, Jesus still desired to heal people and perform miracles, not because of their behavior, but simply because of God's love for them. Although only a few people were granted miracles, this happened, not because of the lack of love of God but due to the lack of love of the majority. When Jesus told how the people rejected their own prophet, it was meant out of His mercy and desire for them to repent and accept the gospel. In our own family and circle of friends, we may be aware of those who are envious of us. It is also painful when some of them are angry with us and oppose us for simply living the Catholic faith. Sometimes, we may be discouraged when we continuously pray for their conversion while they still persist in their sinful ways. But, we should still pray for them because this is an opportunity to love them as Christ loves us. To accept these sufferings with patience is proof of our love for God and for our neighbors. Despite the rejection Jesus received in Nazareth, they had always been in His mind, especially as He offered Himself to the Father on the Cross. How about us? When we are not accepted by those who are close to us, what do we feel? Do we want to be angry with them as well? Let's reflect on this and remember that Jesus has shown us a model of how we can be merciful with the people around us, not because of what they do, but because it's God's will that we love. May we persevere in our kindness as we face numerous struggles in our life, especially in our own family and friends. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

How to Explain the Perpetual Virginity of Mary:

https://www.catholic.com/magazine/print-edition/how-to-explain-the-perpetual-virginity-of-mary

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth