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Gospel Reading for March 09, 2026 – Luke 4: 24-30
HUMILITY, OPENNESS, AND FAITH
Jesus said to the people in the synagogue at Nazareth: “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place. Indeed, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the sky was closed for three and a half years and a severe famine spread over the entire land. It was to none of these that Elijah was sent, but only to a widow in Zarephath in the land of Sidon. Again, there were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian.” When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away.
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When Manny Pacquiao defeated Oscar De La Hoya on December 6, 2008, Filipinos all over the world were filled with pride. When Catriona Gray won the Miss Universe 2018 crown on December 17, 2018, Filipinos everywhere rejoiced with pride. When weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz won a gold medal at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Filipinos all over the world were again filled with pride. When gymnast Carlos Yulo captured two gold medals in two days at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the entire nation celebrated his remarkable achievement.
Now, it is Alex Eala who is making waves in the world of tennis, and once again Filipinos across the globe are immensely proud.
Yet this raises a thought-provoking question: Why couldn’t the people of Nazareth appreciate Jesus, who had already become known for his powerful teachings and miracles? What caused them to reject him?
There are several possible reasons:
1. Familiarity Breeds Contempt
The people of Nazareth had known Jesus since childhood. To them, he was simply the carpenter’s son and the son of Mary. Because they were so familiar with him, they found it difficult to believe that someone they had watched grow up could be extraordinary. Their preconceived image of him limited their openness to his divine mission.
2. Prejudice and Narrow Expectations
Many Jews expected the Messiah to appear with political power or royal splendor. Jesus did not fit these expectations. His humble background and simple way of life did not match the image they had formed of a savior.
3. Spiritual Blindness
The Gospels suggest that their lack of faith prevented them from recognizing God’s work in Jesus. In the Gospel of Mark (6:4), Jesus himself says, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own hometown.” Their familiarity and skepticism closed their hearts to the grace present among them.
4. Envy and Resistance
Jesus’ wisdom and growing reputation may also have stirred jealousy or discomfort. Accepting him would have required them to reconsider their assumptions and perhaps change their lives.
If we truly wish to understand Jesus, we must cultivate HUMILITY, OPENNESS, AND FAITH. Otherwise, we risk missing the grace that comes from knowing him.
Lord, we thank you for the gift of knowing you. We are grateful for all the graces we have received from the Father through you.
