DAILY HOMILIES #Zarephath

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.

Instead of allowing the truth to cure their pride, they turned against Jesus, intending to throw Him off the cliff. Their action did not nullify the bitter truth. Salvation is not hereditary, nor is it automatic. Indeed, the fact that I am a Catholic does not qualify me for heaven; it is the way I live that counts.

Do I look down on my priest because I knew him as 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.