The WORD in other words (2009) by Fr Carlos Lariosa, SVD – Binucayan Loreto, Agusan del Sur
Friday 17th Week in Ordinary Time
These days we heard so many people being honored for being successful and for putting the name of their country into the map.
In the Gospel today Jesus said that a prophet is always given honor except in his own house or place. He was not only denied of this honor, he was also put to death in the most shameful way – death on the cross.
Behind the persecution of a prophet by his own people was the specter of envy and ignorance. Can you imagine, they even took offense at his wisdom!
A teacher had a peculiar habit of vowing to his pupils at the start of the class. The school head took notice this habit, and one day he asked him why. The teacher said, “ Sir, in each of these children resides so much potentials. You never know if one of them would one day become the president of this country!”
Unfortunately, not all of us have such a positive outlook on the dignity of each person. Jesus had to suffer for being put into a category box. They knew his parents and relatives. So he has to be put back into his proper place. Remember the saying “familiarity breeds contempt.” But again, did they really know Jesus? If they do, as St. Peter said in his post-Pentecost homily, they would not have killed him.
Even today, it is not easy to see Jesus in everyone, especially in those who often annoy us. So it is a blessing to be able to see Jesus in a person. In doing so, we are also recognizing the Lord’s presence in ourselves. Let us check if that presence has changed us!
