Familiarity

First Reading: 1 Thes 4:13-18
Psalm: 96:1, 3-5, 11-13 -- The Lord comes to judge the earth
Gospel: Lk 4:16-30

And he said, "Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place." - Luke 4:24

Friends,

In today's gospel, Jesus has returned to Nazareth to preach his message. He has done great works already, and word has reached his old friends and relations. They ask him to speak, and they are surprised by his words, but something still seems strange. They remember him growing up (imagine watching your savior grow up!), and it gets to be a block. They can't take him seriously. As the scene continues, they eventually despise him.

Whenever I am back at home, I find it very difficult to speak to old friends and relatives about the gospel. I know some of them do not believe in anything, let alone Jesus as savior, yet the small act of bringing up the topic of faith is very difficult. Later, it hurts terribly, realizing that I might not speak with that person again and they might not ever hear the message I could have given them.

Speaking with those who knew us before a spiritual awakening can oftentimes be very harsh. They know the mistakes that we've made and for some it is difficult to let those faults belong to our former selves. When I can speak to old friends about my beliefs and how they are founded in my faith, I am sometimes afraid that they will remind me that I had said very different things (often heretical or blasphemous) when I knew them. I fear being ostracized by family or rejected by friends.

Today's gospel gives us solace and courage. Our Lord was also rejected by those who knew him before his public ministry and we can find our own rejection in his. We must not be afraid to speak the word, especially to those we love most. However, we must also remember that it is only our job to be the messenger, not a pusher or an enforcer. We are called to spread the word, and those who hear it can choose to receive it, but it is Jesus who makes the love of God grow in the heart.

Heavenly Father, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Thank you for coming into our lives and blessing us. Lord, help us in our walk to be courageous when sharing the Word. Strengthen us and guide us when speaking, that we both speak timely and truly of your great love. Guide our steps, that we might meet those that most need to hear of you. We ask these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.

Charity Begins at Home

First Reading: Tb 2:9-14
Psalm: Ps 112:1-2, 7-9 - The heart of the just one is firm, trusting in the Lord.
Gospel: Mk 12:13-17

But she said to me, "It was given to me as a bonus over and above my wages." Yet I would not believe her, and told her to give it back to its owners. I became very angry with her over this. So she retorted: "Where are your charitable deeds now? Where are your virtuous acts? See! Your true character is finally showing itself!" - Tobit 2:14

Friends,

The first time that I read through today's reading, it did not make sense to me. Why, immediately after doing charitable works (burying the dead is also a work of mercy), was Tobit blinded? Moreover, why was he suddenly distrustful of, and shouting at, his wife?

Later, when I read this passage to my own wife, I felt it necessary to confess that I did not know what this reading was to teach us. She, on the other hand, observed it at once. It is obvious that this man seeks to do what is just and right; even his argument with Anna stems from not wanting to profit unjustly. However, his charitable spirit fails him within his own family, when he refuses to believe his wife.

In our own walk, we are always hearing about the charitable works that one person or another does for the community. The heroic news items about a man who donated a thousand toys to the women's shelter, or the woman who has given a gallon of blood over the last few years. We hold these individuals up as examples of model behavior, as well we should, to encourage others. However, we must not forget that we are called to be patient and loving in our private lives as well.

We might excuse Tobit on account of his situation, blinded, friendless and beggared because of his good deeds. Perhaps this is because we want to make excuses for our own behavior, when we get angry with our family after a long day. Yet we cannot make excuses on the behavior; we can only forgive and ask forgivness for it. The next time you or I feel like lashing out at a wife, husband, brother, sister, parent or child, let us first remember our love for them, then proceed with patience and trust. Charity (agapē love), as they say, begins at home.

Heavenly Father, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. We thank you for those who are close to us, family and friends. Help us, Lord, to see them as you see them, especially in times of weariness or troubles. Grant that we might be charitable to all of our brothers and sisters here on earth and give us the patience and peace necessary to share your love. We ask all of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.