Memorial of Saint John Vianney

…And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.

Are we shocked by the refusal of Jesus’ neighbors to accept him? They had grown up with him and thought they knew everything about him. They were so sure they knew him, but they asked one another, “Where did he get all of this wisdom? How is he able to perform such mighty deeds?” We might have thought they would be awed by this hometown man so many others were talking about!

Unfortunately, rather than being proud of Jesus and his intelligence and wisdom, some of his neighbors (and even relatives) took offense at him. Was he asking too much of them? Perhaps they imagined that Jesus thought that he was better than they were. The sad thing is that he could not work any great deeds because of their rejection. Their lack of faith was too profound!

Before we condemn them for their blindness, we should ask whether we ever shun or judge people who seem to be more than we think they should be. We then have a choice: to continue rejecting or choosing to let go of our judgmental attitudes. We live in an era of mass prejudices, a disturbing rise in racial tensions, and even hatred. We must be aware of our biases and what blocks us from seeing the new and the good in others.

In each Mass, the Liturgy of the Word challenges us with the life and teachings of Jesus. Are we so familiar with the Scriptures that we are not challenged to “put on the mind and heart of Jesus?” We are constantly challenged to become more Christlike. If we do, we will find ourselves more peaceful and loving!

Let Us Pray:

O kind and loving Jesus, help me to remove the blinders from my eyes so that I may see others as you see them. Make me more aware of my prejudices and unwillingness to see the good in others.