Every day of Lent, Bishop Edward Malesic writes a Scripture reflection for the faithful. Follow the bishop on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Click HERE for the readings.
Jesus told the people of Nazareth, his hometown, “No prophet is accepted in his own native place.” He cites several Old Testament examples to prove his point.
Why could they not receive him as the healer and savior among their own? Perhaps they could not see beyond his humanity to recognize his divinity. Maybe familiarity blinded them. They saw only “one of us,” not the One sent by God. In the end, they lacked the faith that would allow Jesus to work mighty deeds among them, as he did elsewhere.
This Gospel invites us to examine our own relationship with Jesus. We should not presume upon it. Even if we are baptized, receive the Eucharist frequently, or pray the rosary daily, we must be careful not to become so comfortable with Jesus that we forget who he truly is. He is not only our brother and friend—he is our Lord and our God. When we believe this with humble faith, he can do great things in us.