The Honour of the Prophet/Jesus in ones own Native place

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Seventeenth Week :  Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 13:54-58*

*First Reading : Lv 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 81:3-4, 5-6, 10-11ab*

*The Honour of the Prophet/Jesus in ones own Native place*

*1) Familiarity breeds contempt*

The people of Nazareth knew Jesus too well — or so they thought. 

They could not reconcile the ordinary man they grew up with and the divine authority He demonstrated.

*Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?”* (Matt 13:55)

They judged by appearances, not by faith.

Sometimes we fail to recognize God’s work in those close to us. 

We may think: *“I know them too well to believe they are called by God.”* But God often speaks through the familiar.

*2) Rejection of the prophet is part of the prophetic mission*

Jesus placed Himself in the line of prophets like:

Jeremiah, who was mocked by his own people.

Amos, rejected in Bethel and told to go back to Judah (Amos 7:12-13).

Elijah, who had to flee from his own nation.

To be a prophet — to speak God's truth — often means being misunderstood, rejected, or dismissed, especially by one’s own. 

Yet faithfulness to God must come before popularity.

*3) Faith is the key to God’s action*

Jesus could not do many miracles in Nazareth because of their lack of faith (Matt 13:58). Their hearts were closed.

Faith opens the door to miracles. Doubt, pride, or prejudice — especially against the *"ordinary"* — can block God’s power.

Ask: Am I open to hearing God's voice even from unexpected sources?

*4) Jesus' identity and mission go beyond family  and village*

By saying this, Jesus also redefines kinship and spiritual community:

“Who is my mother, and who are my brothers? ... Whoever does the will of my Father.” (Matt 12:48-50)

God's call may separate us even from those closest to us. 

True discipleship may mean standing alone for the truth, as Jesus did.

*5) Encouragement for those who feel rejected*

Many faithful people today feel unheard, ignored, or mocked by those around them — family, parish, friends.

Jesus understands this pain. He lived it. 

Your rejection doesn't mean you're wrong. It may mean you're walking the prophetic path. Don’t lose heart.

*6) Jesus’ Broader Point*

In Luke 4:24-27, Jesus recalls how Elijah was sent to a foreign widow and Elisha healed a Syrian leper (Naaman) — not Israelites. 

He implies that God's grace often reaches outsiders more easily than those who presume they know God. 

The people of Nazareth became furious.

*7) Final Word*

*A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house."*

This saying reminds us that:

God works through the ordinary and familiar.

Prophetic voices are often resisted, even at home.

Rejection is not a failure, but part of the mission.

Faith is essential to recognize God’s presence.

Like Jesus, may we remain faithful — even when our voices are not honored — trusting that God sees, honors, and uses every act of truth spoken in love.

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*