In the Gospel reading from Mark 6, Jesus goes back to his native place. The people there had seen and heard of his mighty deeds and his teachings. But they were still skeptical. They question. (I paraphrase here:) Who does this guy think he is? We know him, we know his family. He couldn’t possibly be anyone special! And Jesus says to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” How true, eh?
Perhaps you’ve even experienced this same type of skepticism. You’re developing your relationship with God, and you begin sharing that with others. But they question your authenticity. Oh, they say, we’ve known you for a long time. We know where you’re from. Don’t try to pull that “holier than thou” stuff on us! We know better! It happens. Jesus told us it would. But don’t let the naysayers get in your way. You keep developing your relationship with Christ! Whether they come around or not is completely up to them.
Father, help us not to get discouraged when others doubt our faith. Help us to love them and forgive them as we continue to grow closer to you. And use us to draw them closer to you. Amen.
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