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Manila Bulletin

Opinion

And they took offense at him

Opinion

And they took offense at him

By Manila Bulletin

REFLECTIONS TODAY

Jesus goes to his hometown and teaches in the synagogue. Those who hear him are amazed but at the same time confused. They are unable to accept the fact that Jesus, whom they think they know very well, is performing miracles and demonstrating great wisdom. They are unable to put their faith in Jesus because they are blinded by their biases against him.

They “took offense” (eskandalizonto) at him. Often, we find it difficult relating well with others because of our biases against them. Prejudices are detrimental to our relationships. Prejudices also limit our capacity to understand other people better. We find it difficult to entertain the possibility that our perception of others might be wrong.

Consequently, our biases also stifle our spiritual growth. Our lack of capacity to accept other people in their process of becoming mirrors our lack of capacity to welcome the divine mystery as it unfolds. Can we let go of our biases against others? Can we accept other people for who they are?

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: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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REFLECTIONS 366 Days with the Lord

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