Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time Year A

1st February 2023

LOOK UPON YOUR NEIGHBOR WITH THE EYES OF CHRIST WHO COMES TO HEAL AND RESTORE US

Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15

Psalm 102(103):1-2,13-14,17-18

Mark 6:1-6

The most severe critics are often people very familiar to us, a member of our family, a relative, or neighbor or co-worker we rub shoulders with on a regular basis. Jesus faced a severe testing when he returned to his home town, not simply as the carpenter’s son, but now as a rabbi with disciples. It would have been customary for Jesus to go to the synagogue each week during the Sabbath, and when his turn came, to read from the scriptures during the Sabbath service. His hometown folks listened with rapt attention on this occasion because they had heard about the miracles he had performed in other towns.

Jesus startled his familiar audience with a seeming rebuke that no prophet or servant of God can receive honor among his own people. The people of Nazareth took offense at Jesus and refused to listen to what he had to say. They despised his preaching because he was a mere workman, a carpenter, and a layman who had no formal training by a scholar or teacher. They also despised him because of his undistinguished family background. How familiarity can breed contempt. Jesus could do no mighty works in their midst because they were closed-minded and unbelieving towards him. If people have come together to hate and to refuse to understand, then they will see no other point of view than their own and they will refuse to love and accept others. How do you treat those who seem disagreeable to you?

The word “gospel” literally means “good news”. Isaiah had prophesied that the Messiah would come in the power of the Holy Spirit to bring freedom to the afflicted who suffered from physical, mental, or spiritual oppression (Isaiah 61:1-2). Jesus came to set people free not only from their physical, mental, and spiritual infirmities but also from the worst affliction of all the tyranny of slavery to sin, Satan, and the fear of losing one’s life. God’s power alone can save us from hopelessness, dejection, and emptiness of life. The Gospel of salvation is “good news” for everyone who will receive it. Do you know the joy and freedom of the Gospel?

As Christians, we are people who have said Yes to follow ‘this’ Jesus. He who wants us to follow Him in healing the world. He wishes us to become agents of casting out demons and unclean spirits. He who waits on us to preach and teach the Kingdom of God to all people anywhere. To be like Jesus, we need to imitate Him, not just in works but above all in His Being! Totally committed to a life of prayer and union with God (Mk 1:35). Passionately zealous for the salvation of people (Mk 1: 32-33). Absolutely focused on the needs of the Kingdom of God (Mk 1:38). As Christians, we will also have to face a lot of oppositions, criticism and even persecutions. Our own world may be filled with shattered hopes, unfulfilled dreams, meaningless miseries etc. But the Lord assures that I AM “the One who heals the broken-hearted”. (Ps 146:1).

As we thank the Lord for the month of January and as we enter into the new month of February, let us be filled with the power and spirit of Jesus, “the One whom we ought to preach by our lives” (1 Cor 9:16). Lord Jesus, you are the fulfillment of all our hopes and desires. Your Spirit brings grace, truth, freedom, and abundant life. Set our hearts on fire with your love and truth.