FRIDAY, SEVENTEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori
Lv 23:1,4-11,15-16,27,34-37 Ps 81:3-6,10-11 Mt 13:54-58
BELIEVING IN JESUS
Jesus remained steadfast in His mission to establish God’s Kingdom on earth. As He proclaimed the Gospel, He encountered diverse reactions; some listened with curiosity, others with sincerity, while there were those who closed their hearts and minds, outrightly rejected both the message and the Messenger. A few may have struggled to grasp His words entirely. Even those who witnessed His miracles sometimes doubted, their faith wavering when faced with the challenge of true discipleship.
His own people, those from His hometown, were baffled by His preaching. Familiarity bred contempt; they could not reconcile how someone raised among them, whose family they knew, could speak with such wisdom and authority. Their narrow perspective blinded them; they expected a Messiah who fit their own mould, not one who defied their assumptions. Scripture tells us they “took offence” at Him. Initial astonishment at the Gospel is understandable, but when truth is revealed, the only fitting response is faith. Yet, instead of believing, they rejected Him, refusing to accept Him as the Messiah. Their unbelief became a barrier to grace. This is why Jesus remarked that “a prophet is honoured everywhere except in his own hometown.” Because they resisted His message, He withheld miracles, showing that faith opens the door to God’s power.
When I read Scripture, hear the Gospel preached, sense God speaking to me, or witness His wonders, do I truly believe, or do I resist His presence? Today calls for self-reflection: What barriers hinder me from embracing the truth? Sin, stubbornness, and reliance on human reasoning can all obstruct a life of faith. Perhaps past disappointments or worldly distractions have hardened my heart. Yet Christ still calls, inviting me to surrender my doubts and trust in Him completely. Will I respond with faith, or will I take offence at His challenging yet life-giving words?
Response: Sing joyfully to God our strength.
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