First Reading: Ezekiel 2:2-5

Reflection:

Ezekiel was a prophet during the period of the Exile in Israel’s history. This was a tumultuous time for the Israelites as their identity was stripped from them by the foreign superpower of Babylon. The exile was a consequence of the people’s rebellion against God. In the midst of the rebellion of most of the nation of Israel, Ezekiel was called to proclaim the truth of God to them. This Sunday’s first reading recounts the call of Ezekiel. It was not an easy mission to which he was called. God warned Ezekiel that most of the people would not listen to him. Still, Ezekiel was to proclaim the word of the Lord to the people, regardless of whether they heeded it or resisted it. He courageously accepted that mission. In a similar way, God is calling each of us, as His followers, to go out on mission. Pope Francis has emphasized that all baptized Christians are “missionary disciples.” This means we are to speak the truth of God in love to the world and witness to that truth by our lives. Like for Ezekiel, this will not be an easy task. In fact, our society is becoming increasingly hostile toward Christianity and its teachings. Like in Ezekiel’s day, many today resist the truths of God. But that does not make the message any less true. God said to Ezekiel, “whether they heed or resist…they shall know that a prophet has been among them.” This illustrates that Ezekiel’s role was not to change people’s hearts. It was simply to convey the message. It was up to the recipients to respond either with reception or rejection. Similarly, our mission is to share the love and truth of Christ with others, but we can’t force anyone to accept it. We simply offer the invitation and let them decide. We are just the messengers, for only God can transform hearts.

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Reflection:

The specific nature of the Apostle Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” is a mystery. He never tells us with what exactly he was afflicted. Some scholars have speculated that it was a physical ailment, such as sickness or a disability, such as bad eyesight. Another thought is that the “thorn” was the persecution he faced. Other theories are out there, but regardless of what specifically the “thorn” was, the lesson learned here is more important. Paul understandably wanted to be free of the hardship and he petitioned the Lord to remove the “thorn.” But God’s answer to his prayers was ‘no.’ Why? Because God had a greater purpose in mind. He wanted to bring good out of Paul’s suffering. That good was, first of all, to keep Paul humble. It was also to bring glory to God. In light of the cross, suffering can bring about great good, if we allow God to use it for His purposes. This is what we call redemptive suffering. It is represented by the Catholic saying, “Offer it up.” We can offer our struggles, tragedies, and sufferings up to the Lord to use for the building up of His kingdom. And in the midst of our “thorns,” we can trust in God’s response to Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you.” God will give us the grace and, thus, the strength to endure whatever trials come our way. And His strength will be made manifest in the midst of our weaknesses, as we learn to better trust Him.

Gospel Reading: Mark 6:1-6

Reflection:

In this Sunday’s gospel reading we hear about Jesus returning to His hometown of Nazareth after performing the magnificent miracles we have heard in recent weeks, including the calming of the storm and the raising of Jairus’ daughter from the dead. Despite these powerful signs and the authoritative teaching Jesus conveyed in His hometown’s synagogue, the people there still expressed disbelief. The main reason for their lack of faith was their close familiarity with Jesus. They could not fathom that the “carpenter, the son of Mary,” whom they had seen grow up in their midst could be such an extraordinary prophet and even the Messiah. Jesus quoted the Old Testament to illustrate what He experienced: “A prophet is not without out honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” This can be true of our own experiences too. Is it not most difficult to witness to our faith among those who are closest to us? This is often the case because emotions run high with family and close friends, especially if we disagree. Jesus Himself experienced the alienation of those closest to Him. If you are experiencing that too, just remember that Jesus can relate to your situation and provide strength and comfort to you.

Application:

  • Like Ezekiel, we are all called to share God’s word with others. Who is God calling you to share the truth in love with? Ask for the Holy Spirit to direct you in this and to provide opportunities for you to invite people to encounter Christ through your words and actions. Then step out in faith to witness to Christ in the world.