Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr (Memorial)

They took offense at him. 

So many miracles!   In the previous chapter of Mark’s Gospel alone, we see Jesus walk into a cemetery and cause a legion of demons to fly out of a man (5:1-20).   We see a woman touch Jesus’ clothing and receive a long hoped-for healing (5:25-34).   And we see Jesus speak just two words to bring a young girl back to life (5:41).   But then Jesus came to his hometown, and the mighty works diminished dramatically.

What happened?   Where were the people clamoring to be near him?   Instead of crying out for healing, they were taking offense at his teaching.   God loves sinners as much as the righteous?   I have to forgive my enemies?   I can’t live like that. Besides, who is he to tell me how to live?

Actually, we shouldn’t be surprised that the people of Nazareth were getting tripped up by Jesus.   Each of us probably has some areas where Jesus trips us up.   We may avoid certain Bible verses or disregard certain Church teachings because they make us feel uncomfortable.   There might be a plainspoken priest in town whose hard-hitting homilies make us squirm or a fellow parishioner whose dedication to the poor challenges us.   It’s only natural to avoid someone whose witness moves us to think or act differently.   But is it possible that the Holy Spirit might be using them to prick our consciences?

Is there something that “offends” you about Jesus and his teaching?   If it’s something from the Scriptures, take the time to reread those verses or that story prayerfully, and try to be open to a new or challenging insight.   Does one of Jesus’ commandments seem too hard?   Honestly tell him so, and ask him to help you understand it more.   Take some time to read about it, or ask your pastor for advice.   Take just one step closer and ask the Spirit to soften your heart a bit more.

Don’t be like the Nazarenes!    Bring your thoughts and “offenses” to Jesus and ask him to heal and free you.   Not in a magical stroke but by the slow process of changing your mind.   That, in itself, is a mighty work.

“Lord Jesus, help me to listen to you and be healed.”

2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17
Psalm 32:1-2, 5-7