This is a reflection on the Mass readings of the day.
Jesus was amazed at people in today’s gospel, and not in a good way. He was amazed at their lack of faith.
And well He might be. It is clear from the passage that his audience in his native place (presumably, Nazareth) not only heard Him and recognized what He said to be profound and wise; they also saw marvels wrought by His hands.
And after all that, instead of excited, they’re just annoyed. They’re sour from envy: He’s “better than them” and it bothers them. He was born of the local townsfolk, just like them. Why should He be anything special.
While He acknowledges this as part of God’s plan by stating that a prophet is never welcome in his home town, Jesus remains amazed. How can people be so blind to such an incredible gift, when it is staring them in the face?
The first reading from Hebrews effectively warns us that this will be our lot as well. God’s plan for us, too, will lead us to unsavory places with very low-minded people. Perseverance is what the reading urges. Stay the course. For as unseemly as may be much of what we must pass through on earth, in imitation of our Savior, what is waiting for us will be far more than worth it.
And the reward that the reading describes as awaiting us is to “see the Lord.” Indeed, theologians such as St. Thomas Aquinas define Heaven as just that, no more, no less: the Beatific Vision, that is, to see the Lord. But it is to see Him in such glory that we cannot here imagine, and to participate in that glory with Him.
Ideas for conversation with the Lord: Ask Jesus for the gift of perseverance, to stick it out with Him, never to falter or flag. Ask Him to send the Holy Spirit into your heart with His gift of fortitude. Life here below is a slog, but we have sold everything to buy the pearl of great price, the Kingdom of Heaven, and it is worth every penny.
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