Reflection: Mark 6:1-6a

14th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Mark 6:1-6a

Today Jesus is teaching in the synagogue. This is nothing unusual for Jesus. However, today Jesus is preaching in his home town of Nazareth. The people who listened to him were absolutely astonished at the depth of his preaching. They looked at one another and asked: “Where did Jesus get all this knowledge?”

They also were astonished at the amazing deeds that he had performed. They knew that Jesus was the son of a poor carpenter and Jesus also was a poor carpenter. The town’s people knew his brothers and sisters. True, they were good people. However, they were not at all learned. They were simple, hard-working people. Where had Jesus gained all of his knowledge about the Scriptures?

Another segment of the townspeople took offense at Jesus and his preaching. They were not open to seeing him as anything more than a poor carpenter from Nazareth. After all, who was he to preach to or teach them? He was not learned, even though his preaching and his teaching were profound. As a result of their skepticism and closed mindedness, Jesus was not able to perform any great deeds in Nazareth. Jesus was saddened and amazed at their lack of faith.

Ask yourself: how are you like the people of Nazareth? Are you skeptical of Jesus’ ability to teach or preach or even to heal? I imagine that you might say: “Yes, I know that Jesus is a good teacher and preacher. However, I am a bit more skeptical about his power to heal. After all, I have been asking Jesus to heal me for a very long time. And I have not been healed (at least not like I want to be healed).”

Today may be a good day to take a step back and reflect on your life. Ask yourself: What are the gifts and the goodness in your life? Who loves you and whom do you love? Do you appreciate the beauty around you: the singing of the birds, watching the flowers grow and bloom, enjoying the smile and the love of your child or grandchild? What soothes your soul and brings you peace: silence, the beauty of nature, the touch of a loved one, the sound of a peaceful wind blowing, listening to beautiful music?

All of the above are the great deeds of the Lord, simple as they may sound. Do we truly believe this? Or do we not believe? It is our choice to open our minds and hearts and cherish the abundant gifts that Jesus blesses us with. Or to always want more than the riches we already have! Our happiness depends on our choice. It is true that our lives are not perfect. However, we are abundantly blessed! Jesus is at work in our lives!