Fr Daniele's Reflection

30th July 2021

Today's episode of the life of Jesus is quite astonishing. He goes back to his hometown and his countrymen don't accept Him as a prophet or the Messiah, saying: "Where did the man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers? This is the carpenter’s son, surely? Is not his mother the woman called Mary?"

This reaction can mean two things. Firstly, people seemed to be very attached to social status and so they couldn't accept that the Messiah or a wise prophet could come from such a simple and poor family like the one Jesus had. However, He chose it on purpose to show us that the background is not important for Him at all.

Secondly, Jesus, Mary and Joseph must have seemed to be quite ordinary people if the countrymen of their little town hadn't noticed anything outstanding in them until that moment. This can encourage us, because to be a Saint doesn't mean to be special people who do extraordinary things. If we do what God calls us to do every day with love and humility, we are already on the way of holiness.

 

Readings  
Leviticus 23:1,4-11, 15-16, 27, 34-37
Psalm 80(81):3-6,10-11
Matthew 13:54-58