1st February 2012 Mark 6:1-6a

A Prophet Without Honour
Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed.  “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing?  Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him.  Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

It can be difficult to be accepted as changed from what people know you to be.  Hard to be seen as an adult by those who nurtured you as a child.  Hard to be seen as a Christian by those who knew you before.  Hard to be seen as the Messiah when you were merely a carpenter.

Jesus was not bothered by this, he was more perplexed than anything.  This is how I feel as well when people see me changed from what I was before my faith took centre stage; I know that my true self is now open where as before it was hidden.

Father we ask for more of our inner being to be shown to the world and that the world accept it.  Amen