Today's Gospel ReadingSt. Mark relates an event in Jesus' early days of public ministry. It is the story of the local boy trying to do good but encounters suspicion and rejection from his neighborhood. Mark also relates how seriously the rejection impacted Jesus: he did not might works there!
Had Jesus been a "Hollywood Star," had he been the MVP of the latest Superbowl game, or had he been someone who invested wisely or had he become a recognized author or a leading person in national government, most of the crowd would have cheered at his words. But he was not. He was the "ordinary" preacher giving clear and truthful explanations of the Old Testament and the will of God the Father to "ordinary people." Yet, those "ordinary people were suspicious or not at all interested.
What does this say to you today? What does this mean for the way you live your life?
How many people do you know in your own family, your neighborhood or your office who are struggling to be better --- especially young adults and teens? If you respond to yourself that you really don't know anyone in these categories, you need to stop for a moment and examine the values that drive your life.
There are many among us who are trying to become good people; trying to succeed in their chosen profession --- people who every now and again would benefit greatly if someone just positively recognized what they are trying to do. How many even know the teens in the neighborhood or in one's extended family and what they are struggling to beat, to overcome?
The gospel today surely offers a warning to us: don't forget to give some of your attention to the "ordinary" folks who are trying to better themselves ... because in doing that they are bettering all of us.
