A prophet is only despised in his own country.”
A prophet’s job is to open people’s eyes to the reality of their situation ‑ pointing out to them the things they would rather forget or ignore. A prophet is a sort of “national conscience”, always awake to situations of injustice and always speaking out about them. A prophet is commissioned to do this by God, who sends the prophet on his mission Jesus is just such a prophet ‑ teaching and preaching about the Kingdom of God and the best way to live. Despite the welcome his message has received elsewhere, when he comes to his hometown he is faced with rejection ‑such that “he was amazed at their lack of faith.” It is curious is that they seem to accept his wisdom, and his miracles, but because he grew up among them they cannot accept him as a teacher from God. We should remember that it is often hardest to stand up for the truth among those who know us well.
The Psalm
To you have I lifted up my eyes, you who dwell in the heavens: my eyes, like the eyes of slaves on the hand of their lords. Like the eyes of a servant on the hand of her mistress, so our eyes are on the Lord our God till he show us his mercy. Have mercy on us, Lord, have mercy. We are filled with contempt. Indeed all too full is our soul with the proud man’s disdain.
First Reading: Ezekiel 2:2-5
Second Reading: 2Cor 12:7-10
Gospel Reading: Mark 6: 1-6
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