7M4J

14^th Sunday In Ordinary Time

SCRIPTURE READING: MARK 6:1-6

...Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, "Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house." So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:

1.      Where did Jesus depart from? Who went with him? Why did the disciples
        accompany Jesus?
2.      What was the reaction of the people in the synagogue who
        heard the teachings of Jesus?
3.      To the people in his hometown, who was Jesus? Why did
        they take offense at him?
4.   Did Jesus feel welcomed in his home town? Why? Why
        was Jesus unable to perform any miracles there?

BY HEART – MEDITATION:

Putting God In A Box. When Jesus returned to his native hometown, his fellow countrymen did not accept the fact that Jesus could speak with such wisdom and performed miracles and that God was working through him. In their minds, Jesus could not possibly be who he claimed to be because they knew who Jesus was and where he came from. But do they really know who Jesus is?

Sometimes out of our ignorance, we put God in a box. We judge who God is and what he does by our own human standards. Thus, sometimes we think that God could and should only work in a certain way and apart from it there is nothing that he could or should do. However, God does not work according to our ways or thinking because his thoughts are not our thoughts and his ways are not our ways. Unless we have faith in the person of Jesus, we will not be able to experience the power of God in our lives. The people of Nazareth missed their opportunity to experience Jesus by their lack of faith.

- Why is it hard sometimes to put our complete trust and faith in God?

- What do I have to lose or gain if I believe in God and his works?

We can only believe His teachings when we believe in Him first.

Intercessions:

1. For the leaders of the Church, that they might remain faithful to their calling to bring the light of Christ into the world.

2. For those who are struggling in their faith, that God might enlighten their minds and hearts.

3. For all of us, that we might open our hearts and allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives.

4. For the sick and suffering, that they might persevere in their pain and be comforted by the healing touch of Jesus.

5. For all those who are persecuted because of their faith, that they might be courageous in times of trials

Covenant Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, by your suffering, death and resurrection, you give us new life: a life filled with joy and purpose; a life only you can give it, for you are the source of life. Guide us on our pilgrimage of life, that following you faithfully as your disciples, we may witness boldly to the world, your love and truth. Enlighten our minds and hearts that your Word which we read and meditated may take roots in our lives. Help us not to fall into sin and if we do fall due to our human weakness, bring us back to you for you are the way, the truth and the life. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters, wherever they are, who are committed to this prayer, that their faith may be strengthened, their hope assured and their love fulfilled. In your name we humbly pray. Amen

7Minutes4jesus – The 7 Steps:

1. Silence 2. Praise/Worship 3. Scripture Reading

4. Questions for Reflection 5. By Heart – Meditation 6. Intercession

7. Covenant Prayer