“Where did this man get all this?”
Matthew 13:57
And they took offense at him.
Reflection
Jesus teaches in Nazareth, where the people are amazed at his wisdom, but also question where he gets his knowledge from. They become offended, and Jesus doesn’t perform many miracles due to their lack of faith.
Many people, today and in the past, have become offended by Jesus. In his own hometown, they are offended because he presents all the knowledge and wisdom he has, which confuses the populace. Today, people might be offended because of the counter-cultural maxims Jesus provides and the truth he gives.
Many are unwilling to hear what they dislike, especially if the information directly contradicts their lifestyle or ideology. Jesus did not care about controversy in his time; he presented very counter-cultural ideas to his disciples because they abounded in goodness, truth, love, and beauty. Christ still provides those same basic truths to us today. How is Jesus calling you deeper into relationship with him, foregoing previous attitudes and ideas and truly listening to how he wants you to live your life?
Saint of the Day
St. Ignatius of Loyola: 1491 – 1556
| “If God causes you to suffer much, it is a sign that He has great designs for you…there is no wood better to kindle the fire of holy love than the wood of the cross.” St. Ignatius of Loyola |
