Homily of Wednesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time.
Ref: 2Sam 24:2, 8-17; Mk 6:1-6
By: Rev Fr Felix Olatunji Yayi, C.S.Sp.
Friends in Christ, today the Gospel of Mark presents to us the life of Jesus, who returned to his homeland, and the life of some of his people, who were over-familiar with him. One thing worthy of note here is that the people acknowledged the mighty works done by Jesus but they were sure that such works should not come from the son of a Carpenter.
Mark makes us understand that only a few mighty works were done by Jesus in his homeland because of their lack of belief, it could have been otherwise if they had believed in Jesus. When a person assumes a political office, such a person is expected to bring development to their hometown in whichever way. It is evident in almost all the states in the country where I grew up.
So the people expect that since one of them is in the political sphere, they should enjoy the dividends of such opportunities.
The people at the time of Jesus would have enjoyed much more but they could not believe a carpenter’s son doing such mighty works. This can lead us to a twofold reflection.
The first is to ensure that we know the difference between Faith and Over-Familiarity. Having faith in a person is not the same as being over-familiar. The people were familiar with Jesus but did not have faith in him. Many of us are familiar with Jesus and even his Church and the Liturgy, so we see it as a routine. We see it as something that we are forced to do, hence, not enjoying the grace attached to it.
Secondly, when Jesus heard of what the people said about him, their disbelief, he did not stop doing what he was meant to do. There are times when people say a lot of things about us because of the success we have achieved and we allow those words to get to us and stop doing good, we should learn from the life of Jesus, that irrespective of what people say, good is always appreciated.
Do not stop doing good because of what people say, imagine if Jesus had stopped healing people because of what his people said, many innocent people would have suffered.
Friends, let us pray today for a courageous Faith and the grace not to look down on anyone, irrespective of age, status, or gender.
Peace be with you!
