Rejection is something that is hard to deal with in our lives. And all of us are going to get rejected at some point in our lives. In relationships, at workplace and in family, in society, rejection is something we cannot escape. Whether it is being passed over for a job, or left out of dinner with friends, rejection hits hard. It can stir up shame, self-doubt, anxiety, and even physical pain.
In today’s gospel, Jesus came to his native place, Nazareth, where he taught people in synagogue. What happens? People were astonished by His wisdom and mighty deeds. He no longer appeared to them as the humble craftsman they had always known. He stood before them as a man of divine authority, a miracle worker. To them, Jesus was just a carpenter’s son, seeing him in a new form was unsettling. So, what should have been a moment of grace became instead a moment of resistance and rejection.
Too much familiarity became a stumbling block for the people of Nazareth to be able to recognize and accept Jesus’ ministry and works. How could one of their own, they were familiar with his mothers and the other members of his family be able to do such mighty work? Yet, Jesus was much more than just his ordinariness, He is God became man, and they were to look upon his words and deeds, his ministry, as the face of God present among them. This is the mystery to be delighted in, rather than rejected.
For us today, we are given opportunity to know Jesus in a special way.
Jesus reveals God the Father who is powerfully present in him, through his teachings and mighty works.
His call to us is for us to strive to step beyond the boundaries of what we know. He draws us out of our comfort zones, out of our native place (frame of mind) into a new life in which we are called to embrace his new life and ministry
God continues to come to us today in and through the ordinary, in and through those who are most familiar to us. Biases and prejudices can lead us into resisting the unfamiliar work of God is doing in us, we can take for granted the talents and wisdom of those closest to us, failing to see God working in and through them to become present to us.
Jesus is inviting us to see beyond our perceived notions and to approach every person and situation with an open heart. Just as the people of Nazareth needed faith and wisdom to perceive that God through Jesus was doing mighty deeds amongst them, we too need openness or awareness to what God is doing in our lives.
As we strive to get closer to God, Jesus’ message is clear, holiness always demands change – conversion of heart, transformation of mind, and renewal of life. Let us resolve to embrace the unexpected.