Mark 6:1-6

Reflection

Jesus returns to Nazareth and preaches in the synagogue. The people there can’t believe what Jesus is saying, for they knew him growing up. Because of their unbelief, Jesus can only heal a few people.

Jesus’ inability to be truly heard and understood in his hometown might seem surprising. Why would his neighbors and friends take offense at his teaching? Reflect, then, on how your own family or friends might treat you regarding your faith. Most of us have certain people in our lives who reject and rebuke our religious beliefs. They can sometimes be those closest to us, and they take offense that we would try to share the Gospel with them.

Yet take heart in such difficult situations, for Jesus experienced the same thing, and he knows what you go through in those moments. Take that frustration to the Lord and give it to him. Pray that you can continue to be charitable and set a good Christian example to all those who seem to reject us. The Lord may work through us or others to soften hearts, so let your trust in him be great as Jesus leads them to himself.

Saint of the Day

St. Agatha: ca. AD 231 – 251

“Christ made my soul beautiful with the jewels of grace and virtue. I belong to Him whom the angels serve.” St. Agatha