Genesis 45:1-15
Psalm 78
1 Corinthians 7:32-40
Mark 6: 1-13
Can you ever really go home again?
In this passage from Mark’s gospel, we are told about Jesus’ return to Nazareth, his hometown, and his teaching among the people with and around whom he had been raised. The big question: how would he be received? As it happens, not so well.
We’ve all experienced it: the pressure of going home, seeing old friends, family, classmates, who relate to us in a paradigm of our past. “They still treat me like I’m that awkward 14 year old.” “Can’t they see me for who I am now and not who I was?”
But are we not all guilty of this? Have we not pigeonholed others by how we have known them, and not by the possibility of what they are now or who they could be?
I see the citizens of Nazareth as having missed a golden opportunity. Yes, hindsight is 20/20. But had they had just a little faith, been open to Jesus of Nazareth as more than just that little kid they knew from down the block, imagine how differently this would have played out.
Today let us be open to the wonder and grace of experiencing anew those we know and have known well and being surprised by what possibilities they may bring to our lives. Just have a little faith.
