Is He not the Carpenter?
Yesterday, being parish office day, I visited the administrative office and continued my meet and greet by visiting and introducing myself to the adjoining boy’s school principal and vice principal. I was struck that whoever I met, I introduced myself as the newly assigned deacon and asked persons of their role. The vice principal went further and asked me what was my work before being ordained a deacon.
Having reflected on this week’s Gospel Mark 6:1-6, I became aware of the significance of the line ‘Is he not the carpenter?’ We so often pigeon hole persons by the role and work they perform. We ourselves can come to define our identity by our role and job title. This can have serious negative repercussions.
I have known persons who have never recovered from the loss of a job and its title. One superior of mine so liked his title that when he was given a promotion to Head Office and a new title he became depressed and didn’t last much longer after his retirement a few years later. Two other persons were laid off from their jobs and they never recovered, remaining trapped in bitterness.
The villagers of Nazareth were caught up in this thinking. They knew Jesus as a carpenter and refused to believe he could be anything but that. Similarly, in our modern world, we often face this challenge of breaking free from the identities that others impose on us or that we impose on ourselves.
As I pondered these reflections, I realized the importance of seeing beyond the labels and recognizing the unique value each person brings, regardless of their role or job title. We are much more than what we do, our roles and titles. Maybe you, my reader, might be going through a change in your role or title. Maybe you have to leave behind a role or title that gave you meaning and comfort.
If so, know that you are in good company with Jesus. Recognize this change as an opportunity to grow and develop. Greater things are ahead than behind you. God is calling you to grow into your full potential regardless of present circumstances. Growth is not easy. It requires us to break free from the molds that enclose us. This calls for courage, resilience and persistence.
I hope this insight can become a cornerstone of my ministry, reminding me to approach each encounter with an open heart and mind, eager to discover the true essence of every individual and situation I meet.
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