Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Happy Sunday!
In today’s Gospel reading, we journey with Jesus and his disciples into his native home of Nazareth.
When Jesus begins teaching in the synagogue he’s first met with awe and wonder, but then things change when he’s recognized as “the carpenter, the son of Mary…” All of a sudden, the crowd turns obstinate, taking offense that one of their own would claim to have such authority. Friends, if we are living as true missionary disciples of Christ, I’m sure we can all resonate with this experience of feeling either rejected, or maybe just not fully understood or received by family and friends on account of our Catholic faith. This experience is hard, but it’s also an opportunity to let the Lord mold our hearts with deeper humility and a greater faith in His love and mercy.
It’s also important for us to recognize that we can also act like the crowd in this story! We too have moments where we rebel against the humanity of Jesus. Our meek Lord desires to speak to us through every person we encounter, but how often are we closed off to his presence in others, especially those who might be the ones rejecting or misunderstanding us? Our humble Lord desires to speak to us in the circumstances of our day-to-day lives, but how often are we closed off to his presence in the frustrations, inconveniences or disappointments of life?
Let today’s gospel remind us of the beautiful mystery of Christ’s hidden life in Nazareth. For thirty years he lived a simple life in the home of Mary and Joseph. Our almighty God chose to become a little child, known intimately by ordinary friends, family, and neighbors in Nazareth. His heart is aching to be known in the same way by you and me. He wants to meet us in the ordinary, and drawus into the intimacy of a sacramental and prayerful life with Him. Let us ask for Our Blessed Mother and Saint Joseph’s intercession, that our hearts might become more attentive and welcoming to our Lord’s voice in the ordinary moments!
-MOLLY BENT, Athlete Campus Minister