Posted by The WORD in other words (2019) by Fr Jonas Piodo SVD – Germany
Wednesday 4th Week in Ordinary Time
The FIBA (Federation Internationale de Basketball) World Cup Asian qualifiers have been played in a home—and—away format, which means a 6th man has to be factored in, i.e, the fans, the spectators. The Philippine Gilas Basketball team has experienced in this World Cup Qualifiers that, win or lose, they were not alone; the fans escorted them on and supported them all the way.
The storyline of today‘s gospel is similar to a “home game” but with a different ending. Jesus visits his hometown. Relatives and old friends came. And Jesus begins to teach in the synagogue.
This is the son of Mary; but he has become so different since he‘s been wandering around the country with some guys, announcing a message of a kingdom of God. He is said to have cured the sick!
“We know this man Jesus!” Because they know him so well, he‘s too good to be true, and “they took offense at him.” His appearance in Nazareth only sowed doubt, defection and “lack of faith.”
The fascination for Jesus makes us curious about his presence which we might have felt or at least believed to feel as a child when we received our First Communion — all of that however may dissipate if we remain only on the level of fascination.
This fascination should push us to know him deeper. We should fall in love with him again and marvel at everything he teaches us. Let us be open to the wisdom of his words, put them into practice, and become His mature and faithful followers.
