Greetings on this the Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Heb 12:4-7, 11-15; PS 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18a; Mk 6:1-6
Notes: So excited! It’s February!!
In January we bid farewell to Fr Quesnel and in February a warm greeting to Fr Jean (pronounced John).
We were blessed to have Fr Quesnel and will be blessed with Fr John, too.
While there was a problem in Nazareth, preventing Jesus from doing mighty deeds, may that not be so this February!
Not at Sacred Heart!
Not in our hearts!
Come Jesus and Bless us!
This week alone:
- Presentation of the Lord on Wednesday – Mass begins with a Candle Service in the back of the Church.
- Saint Blaise on Thursday (Optional Memorial of Saint Blase, bishop and martyr) – Blessing of the Throat.
This month:
- Ash Wednesday February 22nd!
- Start of Lent!
In our gospel portion today, Jesus is unable to perform many mighty deeds there in Nazareth due to their lack of faith. Yikes! The Creator of the Universe is constrained by our free will and, in the immediate sense, to our detriment but also to honor our dignity even as we mess up. Free will is holy and powerful indeed!
But to tie his hands? Is that what we really want or is that what we make happen (or nothing happen)?
Paul points out we don’t like divine correction. So, we avoid him.
Instead of seeing divine discipline as a bad thing, think of the gains!
So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees. Make straight paths for your feet, that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed.
First reading
Brothers and sisters: In your struggle against sin.
Strive for peace with everyone, and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one be deprived of the grace of God, that no bitter root spring up and cause trouble, through which many may become defiled.
Responsorial Psalm
The Lord’s kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.
As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him, For he knows how we are formed; he remembers that we are dust.
Alleluia Verse
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; I know them, and they follow me.
Gospel Portion
The Rejection at Nazareth.
The version of the rejection at Nazareth in Matthew and Mark is rather tame I assume to not focus on it except its summary statement which is chilling enough: So, he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.
The more dramatic ending is in the Gospel of Luke if you care to read it. It gives deeper understanding to our resistance (i.e., jealousy). But, it is sufficient enough to note we limit God and we really shouldn’t.
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Deacon Gerry Palermo 