31 January, 2024 | Memorial of Saint John Bosco, Priest

 Reading 1 2 Sm 24:2, 9-17

Gospel Mk 6:1-6

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place,

accompanied by his disciples.

When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue,

and many who heard him were astonished.

They said, “Where did this man get all this?

What kind of wisdom has been given him?

What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands!

Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary,

and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon?

And are not his sisters here with us?”

And they took offense at him.

Jesus said to them,

“A prophet is not without honor except in his native place

and among his own kin and in his own house.”

So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there,

apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them.

He was amazed at their lack of faith.

Reflections:

In this passage, Jesus returns to his hometown and faces rejection from the people who knew him. They questioned his authority and took offense at his teachings and miracles. Jesus acknowledges their lack of faith, which hindered Him from performing many miracles among them. Let us examine our own hearts and check the attitude towards Jesus. Are we open to receive wisdom and insight from unexpected sources, from our own family members, our own friends or community members? Or do we allow prejudice and familiarity to blind us from trusting them?  Are we willing to believe in His authority, even in situations that seem challenging? 

Activity: 

Today make a deliberate effort to give respect to those most  familiar to you  -- believe that  God’s blessings come to you through them.

Gratitude

The Daughters of St Paul, especially the Digital Sector, is grateful to Sr Roveinai FSP for the Reflections to the Gospel for the month of January 2024. 

Thank you also to Sharlene Fernandes for lending your voice to these reflections. 

God bless you both.