Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time (Year B)

Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time July 07, 2024

Ezekiel 2:2-5; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Mark 6:1-6

(image courtesy:Google)

There is a story told that soon after Mother Teresa took over the house beside a Hindu temple in Calcutta where she cared for the destitute and dying, some people complained, accusing her of proselytism. They wanted her evicted and appealed to the police.  When a senior police inspector went to the house to see the situation he was both overwhelmed and appalled. The Officer was overwhelmed by the loving care that was being given to the most wretched of people and appalled by the terrible stench of disease and death. He went back to the critics and said he would evict Mother Teresa if they would be willing to take over her work. No more criticisms were heard. They were not prepared to empty themselves as she was.

Today’s readings call us to awaken our hearts so we may see the divine truth beyond the human appearance of those we know. It is hard to understand the irrational opposition of the people of Nazareth during the visit of Jesus to his village and of the Pharisees and scribes later.  The people of Nazareth had all wonderful reports about Jesus and on reflection could have seen in him the true messiah. Instead they turned against him in bitter hatred and then decided to put an end to his career. Luke tells us that they wanted to throw him down the cliff of the mountain. There was the tinge of pride and envy that made them refuse to accept him. Their hatred towards him made them close their eyes against all goodness he possessed.  This is a typical human situation which is repeated later and led him to the cross.

Today’s readings challenge us to reflect on the nature of strength and weakness, success and failure, acceptance and rejection, particularly through the lens of our faith.

In the First Reading from Ezekiel, we encounter the prophet who is sent by God to speak to the Israelites. Despite their rebellion, God sends Ezekiel to proclaim His message, indicating that God's word must be delivered regardless of its reception. Ezekiel's mission is marked by resistance and challenge, yet he is empowered by the Spirit to stand firm. This passage reminds us that being a messenger of God often means facing opposition and skepticism, but our task is to remain steadfast and faithful.

In the Second Reading, St. Paul speaks of his own personal struggles and weaknesses. He describes a "thorn in the flesh," a persistent trial that he pleads with God to remove. However, God’s response is profound: "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." Paul’s acceptance of his weakness becomes a source of strength, as he learns to rely not on his own abilities, but on God’s grace. This passage teaches us that our limitations and struggles can be transformative when we trust in God’s sustaining power.

The Gospel reading from Mark presents a powerful scene where Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth. Despite His teachings and miracles, the people who knew Him as a carpenter's son question His authority and reject Him. "Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary?" they ask, and they take offense at Him. Jesus’ experience of rejection in His own hometown highlights the painful reality that those closest to us may sometimes be the hardest to reach with the message of the Gospel.

Jesus’ response to this rejection is telling: "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house." Despite their unbelief, Jesus does not force His miracles upon them. Instead, He marvels at their lack of faith. This episode encourages us to remain faithful in our witness, even when we face rejection and disbelief, and to understand that not everyone will accept our message.

Reflecting on these readings, we are called to embrace our own weaknesses and failures, recognizing that they are opportunities for God’s grace to work within us. In our struggles, God’s strength is revealed. Our human frailty becomes the canvas on which God’s power is displayed.

As Christians, we often encounter resistance and skepticism, whether from others or from our own inner doubts. The challenge is to remain committed to our faith, trusting that God’s grace is sufficient for every situation. Just as Ezekiel, Paul, and Jesus faced opposition, we too will face moments of challenge. But it is precisely in these moments that we can experience the fullness of God’s strength and mercy.

In practical terms, this means leaning into prayer and the sacraments, seeking God’s guidance and strength. It means supporting one another in our faith communities, recognizing that we are all on this journey together. And it means being patient with ourselves and others, knowing that God’s timing and ways are often different from our own.

Let us take to heart the words of St. Paul: "When I am weak, then I am strong." May we find courage and comfort in our weaknesses, trusting that God’s grace will sustain us and that His power will be made perfect in our lives.

Happy Sunday