13/03/2023

Jesus was not a stranger to the people of Nazareth. He was known to some of them by name as the son of Joseph a woodworker. Some had heard of his staying behind in Jerusalem and how worried his mother had been at that time. That had been years ago.

In today's Gospel Jesus is commenting on the story from the Old Testament which is the first reading at today's mass and he has obviously been faced by some annoyance among the congregation. It is not unknown in these days for parishioners to be annoyed when a new person arrives in a parish and starts to "take-over" and is supported by the priest.

In Nazareth the annoyance was directed against one of their own who had got "too big for his boots".  Who does he think he is, this carpenter son of Joseph, to tell us our religion.? We can all become petulant when somebody disturbs our unthinking complacency.

Jesus is still with us. Each day he calls us to open up our hearts; to feed, the hungry; to give up all our wealth; to follow him by accepting our cross. We are all known by Father, Son and Holy Spirit who always offers to us the Love that is the Being of God. Do we respond by smothering out the Grace in the mass of experience that is our daily busyness just as the congregation tried to silence the Word by throwing him off a cliff.? Or do we welcome him into our hearts?

Dear Lord you know that I do not come near to your example of perfect holiness. A few prayers and thoughts seem to be the best that I can offer. I think that it is not enough just know you in my mind and soul. Show me the way to actions that are truly good deeds. May the support of Mary and all the saints be always with me and all sinners on earth and with the Holy Souls in purgatory.