Jacob Perikala csc –
Readings: Ez 2: 2-5; 2 Cor 12: 7-10; Mk 6: 1-6
In the book of Ezekiel, we see how God spoke to the prophet and sent him to deliver his message. Regardless of whether the people listened or not, Ezekiel was to share God’s words with them. Similarly, in the gospel of Mark, Jesus is rejected by the people in his hometown because they thought they knew him too well. Due to their lack of faith, Jesus could not do much for them. Jesus’ work relied on people being willing to listen and believe. He does not force anyone to follow his will, and if we choose not to, we ignore him just like the people in his hometown did.
Pope Francis reminds us, “Every Christian is a missionary to the extent that he or she has encountered the love of God in Christ Jesus: we no longer say that we are ‘disciples’ and ‘missionaries,’ but rather that we are always ‘missionary disciples” (Evangelii Gaudium, 120). Today, Christ is no longer physically present with us as a preacher, but his Church is here to share his message and offer forgiveness, regardless of whether people want to listen or not.
As members of the Church, each of us was called at baptism to spread his message. In the second reading, St. Paul reminds us that he will continue to preach God’s word no matter what others say or think. Even if he appears weak by worldly standards, he knows that during these times, he is strongest in his mission because Christ is with him.
As St. John Paul II said, “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors for Christ. To his saving power open the boundaries of states, economic and political systems, the vast fields of culture, civilization, and development” (Homily, October 22, 1978).