HOMILY: WEDNESDAY 4TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
THEME: DO NOT LOOK DOWN ON ANYONE.
BY: FR. KARABARI PAUL
‘Is not this the carpenter?’
Sociologists and psychologists tell us that human behaviour is largely determined by two things: our parents and our environment. Sometimes, and wrongly so, the respect people receive from others depends on their backgrounds. Judging by that, you should understand why Jesus was assessed with contempt by his own people in the Gospel of today (Mark 6:1-6).
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When his people saw his wisdom and power, they immediately reflected on his low background and wondered how he could be so gifted, having grown up from a low state of life with no refined exposure. They ‘see am finish’. The word of God says, ‘they took offence at him.’ Why do you take offence at someone simply because he is blessed? And that is just the offence? We all need to understand that with God, neither genes nor environment can prevent anyone from becoming everything God intends that person to be. That is because God is a turnaround specialist! He rewrites history. He changes conditions and backgrounds. Maybe you were born in less-than-ideal circumstances, and you are wondering if you can ever overcome them. The answer is yes! So the next time someone tries to use your background to put you down, remind them about this.
The truth is, God can lift the disadvantaged higher than those who have had every possible advantage. His strength is revealed and released in our weakness (see 2 Corinthians 12:9). He specialises in using those who have been rejected. He used Joseph, a man thrown into a pit by his brothers and written off by his father as dead. He used David, a shepherd boy alienated and ignored by his family. He used Jesus, ‘the stone the builders rejected’ (Psalm 118:22), who went on to become ‘the chief cornerstone’ (Luke 20:17). And He can do the same for you. So be encouraged; God has a plan for your life and as you spend time with Him He will show you what it is. GOD IS STILL ON THE THRONE. Today, I pray for all those who are being oppressed and deprived because of their background. And those who feel so low about their lives because of their family conditions. May God change their stories. May they enjoy the maternal patronage of our lady of victory through Christ Our Lord Amen. I pledge the assurance of my daily prayers for you and your household. Good morning.
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