REFLECTIONS TODAY
After hearing Jesus’ teachings, the crowds who came from all over the place are in admiring astonishment at him. In his hometown, however, the town’s folks could not believe that such powerful and gracious words come from an ordinary carpenter’s son who used to reside with them in some backwater village of Galilee — Nazareth. They think they know him too well to be impressed by his teachings. In effect, their lack of faith prevents Jesus from performing “many mighty deeds” (v 58) there. Jesus’ teachings have been a call to faith in him and the message of the Kingdom. In presenting the rejection of Jesus in Nazareth, Matthew poignantly reminds his readers that not all will welcome Jesus’ teaching. Even those who know him best will take offense at him and thwart the coming of the Kingdom through their unbelief. May we never fall into the temptation of thinking that we already know Jesus too well to be able to be surprised daily by his words and actions.
Gospel • Matthew 13:54-58
Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith. *Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]); Website: [http://www.stpauls.ph](http://www.stpauls.ph).*