A TWO-WAY STREET

A TWO-WAY STREET

MARK 6: 1-6

He came to his native place accompanied by his disciples.

Going home to visit is often a mixed bag of emotions and experiences, but most people look forward to seeing old friends and visiting places full of memories.  It probably was something like that for Jesus.  It’s possible he went back to Nazareth because of the carpentry shop or to share his stories and bring news of his cousin John and certainly to see his mother.  

As was the custom when someone came back, they were invited to read in Synagogue, which Jesus did. You can imagine how he felt when he decided to tell them who he really was, part excitement and part worry.  He was wise to worry, because it did not go well when he said, “Today, these words have been fulfilled in your hearing.”  Their reaction was negative to the max.  Their actions and words prompted Jesus to say, “A prophet is without honor in his own land.”  

The thing the townspeople apparently found the most objectionable was that Jesus healed so many in other places and yet had never healed there.  It is at this point that Jesus reveals the most important part the healing process.  It is a two way street.  It is not enough to expect to be healed, it is essential that one believe healing is possible and to understand it is God who heals. 

The people of his town did not honor Jesus.  They questioned all the testimony in his favor because they knew him from childhood and would not accept that he was special. They were, to put it simply, jealous, jealous because Jesus was held in high esteem elsewhere.  Jealous because he came to them changed, enlarged as it were, and beyond them in every possible way, and they were angry because his fame brought nothing to them.  This got so bad they tried to throw him over a cliff.  So much for homecoming. 

By and large the people of the world look on God as a last resort when their lives get out of hand and they suddenly realize there is one last place they can look for help.

That usually ends badly, just as it did that day in Nazareth.  People are not willing to accept the responsibility for their own choices, but instead, blame God when things do not go their way.  

In every case, when a person was healed, Jesus said, “Your faith has saved you.” 

When we call on God, it’s imperative that we understand the dynamic.  First, God knows what you need before you ask. Second, what you ask for is not necessarily what you need.  Third, the Holy Spirit is with you to guide you to accept whatever answer you receive. Fourth, and most important, God loves you with a depth you cannot imagine. Believe it. 

Blessings,

Carol Lemelin OPA