This February, we start with the Gospel from Mark 6. And what we have today is an interesting episode. It’s about Jesus’ visit to His hometown.
Homecomings are generally happy occasions, but somehow they can also open old wounds and trigger past issues. In the case of Jesus, His townmates’ initial reaction of seeming amazement turned out to be really one of derision or contempt. A barrage of questions on their part reveals insulting insinuations. Then instead of the typical Jewish tradition of being called after one’s father, they gave Him the label “Son of Mary.” Reading between the lines, they even seemed to cast doubts about Jesus’ legitimacy.
Worse still, they apparently disdained the fame of Jesus, His reputation which at that time was already spreading. Their familiar knowledge of Him worked against His favor. Truly, as the saying goes, “Familiarity breeds contempt.”
Now, can this also be said of us, “familiar” as we might already be with our Lord? It may be good for us to examine our relationship with Him. Could we have somewhat lost our respect for Him, treating Him as an ATM-like dispenser of graces which we can conveniently avail of just because we have problems? Or is He more just like a “buddy” for us?
What a pity that Jesus worked no miracles in Nazareth itself, apart from healing a few who were sick. The neighboring villages instead were the ones who benefitted.
Let us not be dismayed if others, who are more respectful and receptive of Jesus than we are, will be the ones to enjoy Jesus’ favor more. Let us make Jesus’ homecoming into our hearts the joy-filled event that it is meant to be.
