Readings: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Ps. 96:1,3-5,11-13, Luke 4:16-30
“All in the synagogue were wrathful when they heard this. And they rose and put him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw him down headlong.” (Luke 4:28-29)
In today’s Gospel passage, what began as a happy reception of Jesus eventually turned into an attempt to kill him. What was responsible for this change of attitude? We humans often fail to value what belongs to us.
Jesus was given the scroll of the Prophet Isaiah to read. When he finished reading, the people were eager to hear what He would say. Jesus returned the scroll to the attendant and began, “Today, this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” In other words, Jesus said: “I am the Messiah. I am the one Isaiah was talking about.”
As the people listened to Jesus, they were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth, but when Jesus’ words began to sink in, they became troubled. Could he be the Messiah? Is this not the same Jesus we know? Why is He trying to claim what He is not?
The people of Nazareth thought they knew everything about Jesus. In Matthew’s version of this encounter, they mentioned the names of the supposed brothers and sisters of Jesus to show that Jesus was an ordinary carpenter’s son. They took offence at Jesus for trying to claim He is God; as a result, Jesus did not work many miracles there. (Cf. Matthew 13:54-58)
Jesus was surprised at their poor reception. He told them, “A prophet is never appreciated in his hometown.” We often despise what belongs to us. We look down on our family members, our home, our community, and even our country. Like the people of Nazareth, we don’t believe God can take flesh among us.
Jesus further told them how they had always looked down on the prophets. As a result, foreigners like the widow of Zarephath and Naaman the Syrian received Divine intervention while they (the chosen children of God) were left out. This was a truth too hard to swallow. The people rushed at Jesus and wanted to kill him.
Let us examine our consciences. Do I look down on my priest because I knew him when he was a seminarian? Do I find it difficult to ask my priest to pray for me because I don’t believe God can work through him? Like those who looked down on Jesus, you may assume you know everything about your priest, but you might be wrong. Don’t forget that God is not like us. God chooses the weak to shame the strong.
On the other hand, do I look down on my church? Do I believe in the power of the Mass? Do I still pray the rosary? Why do we find ourselves rushing from church to church when we are in trouble? Have we forgotten that God is physically present in the Eucharist, also known as the Blessed Sacrament? When was the last time we visited Him there?
In today’s first reading, St. Paul offers a message of consolation to us regarding believers who die in Christ. It is okay to cry when a Christian dies, but do not cry like someone who has no hope. “For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.” St. Paul, like Jesus, refers to death as “sleep.” Before raising Jarius’ daughter to life, Jesus said she was only asleep. (Cf. Luke 8:52)
Our hope of rising to life after death is hinged on Jesus’ resurrection. As He assured us, “I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (John 14:2-3). There is life after death. When we sleep in Christ, we do not stop living; we only begin a new life in heaven.
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, teach us to value that which is ours. We ask this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Monday of week 22 in Ordinary Time. Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Ps. 96:1,3-5,11-13, Luke 4:16-30)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu