Fourth Sunday of the Year
When Jesus began his public ministry in his hometown, the initial reaction of the locals to his preaching was very favorable. He spoke fluently and simply but with authority and they loved his words when they first heard them. However, as time pass they felt threatened because they realized that they were challenged to change their ways. The message of Jesus was disturbing one and they could not accept it. In a mad frenzy they ganged up against him and made an attempt upon his life. When Jesus made the comment that no prophet is ever accepted in his own country he was clearly identifying himself with the long line of prophets who suffered a similar fate. He was not in the popularity game. He had come to preach the Good News regardless of how well it would be received. What happened that day in Nazareth was to be repeated over and over again during his ministry, with crucifixion as the inevitable final outcome.
Although today's gospel is about the rejection of Jesus Christ, the greatest prophet of all, the work of prophecy continues in every generation as people are invited to witness to Christ, not simply with words, but with their lives. This mission of Christ points to our mission, which we received at baptism, to witness to the values, which he represents. Every Christian is by nature an apostle to whom God has entrusted other people. We are to take a stand with Christ against friend and foe and often a stand against our own weaknesses. At home it may be the call to love more tenderly, showing patience when irritated by shortcomings among friends and neighbors, a readiness to excuse and overlook sharp words, at work a dedication to the job in hand and a refusal to tolerate shoddy workmanship.
God has called us to this particular work but he has not promised easy success or popularity. There will be moments when we will have to stand up and be counted, and our moral worth severely tested. To go against the trend and shake people out of their complacency may not be well received but there is the call to be a prophet. People are too comfortable in their sin and they resent interference. As it was with Jesus so it is with his church. Christ is in every one of us. Either we honor him or deny his presence, but what we do to him is done to ourselves.
As we come together around the table of the Lord, we
bring all our needs and worries and we ask God the Father to listen to our
prayers.
1.
Let us pray for the
leaders of the church, our Holy Father, our bishop, our priests, religious
sisters and brothers. May they be blessed by God in their preaching and
teaching of the Good News. Lord, hear us.
2.
For courage and
strength to proclaim generously and fearlessly the gospel message in our homes
and neighborhood. Lord, hear us.
3.
For those whose love is
unsung: parents of handicapped children, those who care for aged parents, and
all those suffering at home or in hospital, who bear a silent witness to the
love of God in prolonged illness. Lord, hear us.
4. We pray for all young people: those at school and those leaving school. Help them to get employment suited to their ability, and lead them, through strong faith in you, to know and accept the way of life in which they can best serve you. Lord, hear us.
5.
Lord, comfort those who
are sad because of the death of someone they love, especially those who have
died as a result of violence in our country. Help us all to work together to
bring about a true peace, founded on principles of justice and equality. Lord,
hear us.
Heavenly Father, we call on you with confidence to hear the prayers of these your people, since we make them in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.