The Homecoming of Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season:  Fourth Week :  Wednesday*

*Gospel :  Mark 6:1-6*

*First Reading : 2 Sam 24:2, 9-17*

*Responsorial Psalm : 32:1-7*

*The Homecoming of Jesus*

*1) What is special about Jesus’ homecoming?*

This is Jesus returning to Nazareth, his hometown, after becoming known as a teacher and miracle-worker. The specialty (and irony) of this homecoming is that:

The people who know Jesus best are the ones who struggle most to believe in him.

Instead of celebration, we see: Familiarity breeding contempt, A crisis of faith, Rejection rather than reception

Jesus is amazed—not at their faith (as elsewhere), but at their unbelief.

*2) How do we understand this passage?*

*A) ) “Is this not the carpenter?”*

The people reduce Jesus to his past and profession.

They see who he was, not who he is now.

His ordinary background becomes a barrier to faith.

*Lesson*: People often struggle to accept that God can work through ordinary people and ordinary places.

*B) “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown”*

This is the heart of the passage : Outsiders are open to Jesus. Insiders are suspicious and resistant.

Familiarity blinds them. They think they already know him.

*C) Jesus could do no mighty work there*

This does not mean Jesus lacked power.

It shows that faith and openness matter.

God does not force miracles on closed hearts.

Divine power is often limited not by God’s ability, but by human unbelief.

*D) Jesus is amazed at their unbelief*

This is striking. : Jesus usually marvels at faith (e.g., the centurion). Here, he marvels at hardened skepticism.

Unbelief is not neutral—it is spiritually significant.

*3) Relevance in the present-day context*

This passage feels very modern.

*A) “We know him already”*

Today, many say: “I grew up Christian.” “I know the Bible stories.” “I’ve heard this before.”

Like Nazareth, familiar religion can lead to indifference, not faith.

*B) Judging by appearances*

We still struggle to believe that: God speaks through ordinary pastors, teachers, parents. God works through people we already know

 We often look for God in the spectacular and miss him in the familiar.

*C) Resistance to change*

Jesus challenges assumptions. Nazareth wanted comfort, not transformation. Today, people often want spirituality without disruption.

This passage asks: Are we open to being challenged by God—or only comforted?

*4) Pints to Ponder*

Am I dismissing God’s voice because it comes from a familiar source?

Have I reduced Jesus to a safe, manageable figure?

Is my unbelief limiting what God wants to do in my life?

Do I allow God to surprise me?

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*