At the close of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their teachers (Mt 7:28-29). When Jesus teaches in the synagogue of his native Nazareth, the townsfolk are likewise astonished, but this astonishment is not an appreciation, but coming from those “who take offense” at him.

Familiarity with his family background and his being “a carpenter’s son” prevents them from thinking that Jesus could rise from the common belief that “nothing good” could come from Nazareth (Jn 1:46). Some Jewish religious leaders in Judea also thought that “no prophet could come from Galilee,” the region in which Nazareth is located (Jn 7:52).

Jesus’ townsfolk have grown accustomed to their “fate,” so to say: they have become fixed in their position. They have closed themselves to something new that God can offer to his people—a prophet arising from among their midst: Jesus, son of Joseph the carpenter.

Today is the memorial of St. Joseph the Worker, which coincides with the International Labor Day. One who occupies the highest place in heaven, after that of the Blessed Virgin Mary, is not a pope, a bishop, a monk—but a husband, a craftsman, a father of a family: Joseph of Nazareth. Let us ask the Lord for an open mind and simple heart to see his action in the ordinary events of our life. Let us allow ourselves to be surprised and to wonder.

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.