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Ezekiel 2:2-5 Psalm 122 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Mark 6:1-6
Why are prophets not accepted in their own country? Perhaps it is because they have an uncomfortable message for us or maybe are too familiar to us. In today's first reading we hear a section of the call of the prophet Ezekiel who exercised his ministry in 6th and 5th centuries BCE in Babylon where the people of Judah were in exile. Their loss of land was seen as a punishment for disobedience to God's law which they had promised to keep at Sinai. God called Ezekiel to speak to the people whether they listen or not so that they would "know" or recognise that God's prophet was amongst them..
In today's gospel Mark describes how Jesus experienced not being listened to in his home town of Nazareth. Even though his audience marvelled at the wisdom he spoke and the miracles he performed they knew his family and his background and could not accept him.
Is my faith strong enough to hear the words of Jesus? Reflect on some of the words in the gospels this week and let them speak to your innermost self.
Do we recognise the words of God speaking through the prophet in our midst? Is there someone who points out injustices or a lack of peace and love among us? Perhaps God is speaking through that person.
God works through us too. St Paul points out the dangers of thinking that we are working through our own efforts. When I am weak and recognise my humanity, then I am strong and God can work through me.
I.