He Came to His Home Town
Yesterday after assisting at morning Mass at my new parish I made my way to the home town of my teens. There to ‘mummy-sit’ my 92year old mother for the day. On the way I reflected on this week’s Gospel Mark 6:1-6 and Jesus’ journey to His home town. His journey took about 3 days by foot, mine took half hour by car. Yet our journeys must have evoked similar feelings.
Despite the difference in mode and duration, the emotions of nostalgia, hope, perhaps even a bit of apprehension of how being with mummy for the day would unfold may have had parallels. I wondered if He, too, had felt a pang of uncertainty about how the visit would turn out.
I felt a profound connection to the Gospel story, realizing that the essence of such journeys—physical, emotional, and spiritual—transcends time and place. I took a deep breath, preparing myself for whatever the day would bring, just as Jesus might have prepared Himself for His own homecoming.
Homecomings are unique experiences. They are filled with anticipation and expectations, yet reality never really matches the idealized versions we carry in our minds. The familiar sights and sounds may be comforting, but they also serve as poignant reminders of the passage of time and the changes that have occurred.
For Jesus the reality was harsh. Though his neighbours and relatives were astonished by His newfound wisdom, they soon took offence at Him. They could not accept who He had become. In our own lives we may also find ourselves rejected when we try to improve our situation. And we may even reject others who are trying to improve their’s.
Today’s Gospel is a teaching that the Kingdom of God is one of personal and community growth and development. Jesus continually calls us out of our comfort zones. Circumstances that may at first appear daunting, on deeper reflection are filled with opportunities for spiritual growth. Obstacles that we may face challenge us to grow closer to Jesus.
Jesus’ visit called the villagers to examine their own lives and make changes. They were not ready for this. Instead of growth and change they prefered anger and rejection. Instead of opening up to new opportunities they closed in on their prejudices.
Probably Jesus is challenging you to growth and development in the circumstances you may find yourself in. If so I encourage you to approach it as such. Invite Jesus into your homecoming as I did in mine. Let Him walk with you. I promise you, you will find comfort and joy in the deeper intimacy with Jesus and grow in spirituality.
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