Sunday Gospel Reflection
14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Mark 6:1-6
Believing is the Key
Carlo S. Dureza
So goes the overused adage, “Familiarity breeds contempt”. One does not hold with respect or importance something or someone that is a usual sight. A common fare in everyday life is not tagged as special or thought of as there’s “nothing to get” from it.
Something must be grand, pompous, or “different” in appearance perhaps or in its origins to get noticed or to be given attention. Sadly, even close affinities among people get adversely affected because of this mindset.
Jesus’ townsfolk did not take Him for anything extraordinary despite some healings and miracles He did in Nazareth. They would doubt and criticize His reputation and ability, alluding to his character background, his poor parents, carpenter-father, unschooled disciples, and undistinguished kindred.
Their familiarity with Jesus prevented them from seeing clearly that He is the One sent, the Son of God, the Anointed, the Savior whom Israel had long awaited. His simplicity and mild-mannered ways in preaching the Kingdom, in dealing with sinners like prostitutes and tax collectors, in curing the sick, in welcoming children, heavily contradicted the people’s illustrious image of a strong leader with a mighty hand and sharp political who would overthrow a hated Roman regime.
Who was He to the people of His time and place? It is in this vein that Jesus said to His disciples, “No prophet is without honor except in his native place.” He was met with disbelief by His very own people, and this made Him lukewarm in performing miracles because of their lack of faith.
This generation is no different. It is a strong propensity of ours to look for grandiose signs and events to make us believe in the presence of supernatural beings. We deny the power of a simple presence that points to an overwhelming grace.
Jesus Christ exists among us. He is just around. He reaches out. We see Him but we do not recognize Him. Worst, we REFUSE to recognize Him. We do not BELIEVE that a Savior has come to bring the Kingdom of God to us. When our hearts are healed of pains and rancor, and forgiveness sets in and takes space, the God of love occupies them. Believing in a loving God transcends human stature, credentials, wealth, and family background.
Let us ask ourselves and reflect, what will save us? It is easy to retort, “God” or “Jesus”. But what precedes this familiar reply? FAITH. To have faith is to believe. In the ordinariness of life, in the familiarity of people, events, and circumstances that abound in the humdrum of daily living lies a profound truth—Jesus is alive to save us. He is in the simple people who love and who teach us how to love. Let us believe!
Happy Sunday! God bless!
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Photo by Lawrence Jing on Unsplash
