Readings: 2 Samuel 24:2,8-17, Ps. 32:1-2,5-7, Mark 6:1-6
“Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us? And they took offence at him.” (Mark 6:3)
In today’s first reading, David ordered a national census. When the number was given to him, his conscience struck him; he realised he had done something God forbade. David begged for mercy, but despite his plea, seventy thousand innocent souls perished. This is a clear example of how bad leadership can destroy people.
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus visits his hometown, Nazareth, where he grew up and spent almost three decades. He goes to their synagogue on a Sabbath day and begins to teach, but those who knew Him as “the carpenter’s son” take offence because He revealed his identity as God. Jesus did no mighty work there except to lay his hands on and heal a few sick people. This shows that sometimes, the followers are to blame for their misfortunes. What lessons do our readings teach us today?
1. Leadership is Delicate: As a leader in any capacity, know that the lives of so many are in your hands. What you do or refuse to do could have either positive or negative consequences on others. Do not get carried away by the glories of that leadership position (the power, the fame or the financial benefits). Be concerned about the welfare of the people lest you become a tool of destruction. If you want to be a leader to escape poverty, please reconsider. The blood of innocent lives will be demanded of you if you fail. On the other hand, let us pray for our leaders. (Cf. 1 Timothy 2:1-4). Even though their office resembles God’s, they are still humans capable of making mistakes.
2. No Matter How Bad Things Become, Take Responsibility: David did not resign to fate when the pestilence began. He continued praying until something happened (P.U.S.H). David took full responsibility for the deaths of the people; he did not go about pointing fingers or blaming the victims. As a leader, accept your faults, take responsibility, and find a solution when things get bad. Do not be like leaders who blame their predecessors even after years of assuming office. Today’s responsorial Psalm represents David’s plea for God’s mercy. It also contains good news: God is ever ready to forgive us and restore us to glory when we are contrite. The Psalmist says, “I said, ‘I will confess my transgression to the Lord.’And you have forgiven the guilt of my sin.”
3. Do Not Look Down On God: A few days ago, we heard Jesus say that all those who hear His word and keep it are His mother, brother and sister. This means that Jesus regards us as a family; He wants us to be familiar with Him and to see Him as a friend rather than a police officer. Familiarity draws us to God. However, it can also lead to contempt. The problem with the Nazarenes was not familiarity but contempt; they were angry with Jesus. They expressed this anger by claiming to know the so-called brothers and sisters of Jesus.
4. When We Do Not Regard Mary, We Deny Jesus’ Divinity: It is not coincidental that those who claimed to know the so-called brothers and sisters of Jesus lacked faith in Him and thereby received the least number of miracles. To say Jesus had biological brothers and sisters is deny Jesus’ divinity. It is saying that the Good who took flesh in Mary’s womb was incapable of giving her the grace to preserve her virginity afterwards. Jesus’ power was not reduced in his hometown; instead, their contempt and lack of faith shielded them from receiving Jesus’s blessings. Could my faithlessness be blocking my miracles?
5. Faith is a Choice: Mark tells us that Jesus marvelled at their unbelief. Jesus has the power to raise the dead, but He would never force anyone to believe. Faith in God is entirely your choice. In today’s Gospel acclamation, Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice.” If you are not hearing the voice (if you chose not to listen or do not believe), you are not the sheep of Christ. Whenever you go on your knees to pray, believe that God answers prayers. Be expectant. Be hopeful. Be like the woman who was sure that merely touching the hem of Jesus’ garment was enough. Jesus wasn’t paying attention to her, yet power left Him.
Let us pray: Grant us, Lord, our God, that we may honour you with all our mind, and love everyone in truth of heart. 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. (Wednesday of week 4 in Ordinary Time Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: 2 Samuel 24:2,8-17, Ps. 32:1-2,5-7, Mark 6:1-6)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu