Does a person’s circumstances limit me from believing in what that person says or proclaims, even if they are true? - Daily Reflections August 2,2013

FOR THE OPEN-HEARTED AND OPEN-MINDED

 

In today’s Gospel reading, the people are amazed upon hearing the teachings of Jesus. But this amazement was more of unbelief and maybe jealousy. They questioned Jesus’ authority to give those teachings. They knew Him as the mere son of a carpenter. Jesus was a very good Jew. Joseph and Mary gave Him the best Jewish education, catechism and experience. This can be seen through His parables, stories, examples and language. In other words, everything should have been well, save that He came from Nazareth.

       As a result, Jesus could not perform miracles there, not because He did not want to, but because He could not. The people’s regard for Jesus made it impossible. Faith is necessary for miracles to happen. Faith was absent because the circumstances of Jesus’ person were more present to them. In response, Jesus said, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown.”

       During His time and even up to now, scrutinizing a person’s circumstance is common. It is especially required on important matters.

Faith is a very important matter. If anyone should speak about faith and claim a lot regarding that faith, he must be above reproach. However, the people have already adopted a closed mind and a hardness of heart. 

       The message is clear. With regards to faith, openness of mind and heart is necessary. We cannot let personalities blind us and make us disregard what is being presented. We must be willing to learn and be open to revelations and inspirations from the Spirit. This is not a walk in the park. Change is always difficult. But faith is precisely that — a mystery because of our limited human capacity. Our personal capacity falls short of the whole truth. On our part, we must make full use of them and depend on God for enlightenment. Only then may revelations, like what Jesus gave, be accepted. The people of Nazareth missed it. We should not! Fr. Benny Tuazon

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Does a person’s circumstances limit me from believing in what that person says or proclaims, even if they are true?

 

Teach me to have an open mind and heart, Lord, that I may see Your truth in everything and that I may follow Your precepts in my life faithfully.