Walking with Jesus: 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time B

For Sunday, July 7, 2024

Ezekiel 2:2-5, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Mark 6:1-6

People are attracted to magic tricks — sleight-of-hand maneuvers that captivate. Seeing them, we want to know: How did you do that? I find these “tricks” interesting, and down through the years I have learned just a few that still work … although I have to refresh my memory to repeat them. People are attracted to them, especially our youth. Why? Maybe it's the “skill” factor … or trying to figure them out. Or, possibly, are they a way of surprising others to overcome shyness — making one feel important, needed or wanted? This is common for so many. There is a side of this “trait” that can go overboard, making the presenter feel that accomplishing one makes one an “expert” — more “important” or “better” than others. My Dad had a number of life expressions that have helped me; one was: “You will meet people who live the phrase, ‘I used to be proud but now I don’t have any faults.’” I have met people like this and continue to examine myself on living in humility vs. pride. This can also be seen in a “humble bragging” type of modesty — saying, writing and expressing things that appear modest on the surface but actually are boastful. Consider: “Hi there, I’m sorry, it’s been so long since we talked, but I got promoted ... I've been to the Virgin Islands on vacation ... I’ve just been soooo busy.” We think, “Hmm, they're too important to talk to little old me!”

Today’s readings speak to believers — you and me — to recognize our human tendency to make mistakes and be wrong. All gifts come from God. We are God’s people. He needs each of us to recognize and use His gifts to show others they are loved … and together we are all called to be witnesses of God’s love to bring ourselves and others to heaven. Our genuine weakness does not hinder or hamper God’s saving action in bringing others to His love and redemption. When we are in love with God, we know that even though this action comes through us, it is from God.

God called Ezekiel the Son of Man. This phrase, “ben adam,” simply means “human being.” Here God is reminding the prophet that even though he is chosen to be a spokesperson of God, he is still only a human being. He, like us, receives God’s grace, help and assistance to do all God needs us to do. We see this in the reading: First, “I am sending you” … this is an action of God. Second, “You shall say to them” … the prophet’s responsibility. Third, “they shall know” ... fleshing out and not watering down the message. Ezekiel is God’s emissary. God has chosen him to accomplish His plans. We too are called by our Baptism to be His disciples, taking Jesus as our model to be God’s witnesses to our world. God’s plan has always included each of us. He has chosen us to be here at this time, in this specific place, to deliver His message of love and the promise of heaven that is possible for ourselves and all creation.

We see the gifted oratorical skills of Paul breaking open the meaning of his own mission within the absurdity of the cross of Jesus. He turns the words upside down: Jesus’ cross and crucifixion translate to exalted vs. humbled, power vs. weakness. The Jewish high priest and ruling party assign the most horrible of deaths to show Jesus as being a nothing … a rebel. They are the educated ones, well-versed in Scripture and knowing God’s plan. This upstart was just that — there's no way He could be God and face this type of death. Jesus is God showing love.

The Gospel continues with the “leaders” trying to make Jesus look like a fool. He returns to the people of his hometown and is rejected by them. Since the apostles are present, the visit seems to be more official than casual. Jesus comes as a teacher. Jesus stands up in the synagogue to tell His story. This is not unusual since any adult man can get up and interpret Scriptures. But the people are skeptical. They are not ignorant of Jesus’ teaching and miracles. He knows last week’s miracles happened in the neighborhood. The people today are not challenging this; they just want to know the source of these wonders. Don’t they know His whole family? Haven’t they seen Jesus raised by his mother and father, taking over the carpentry business at Joseph's death? They are asking the right questions but for the wrong reasons. Jesus identifies Himself as the Son of Mary, not as the Son of Joseph ... which is the custom at that time. This means that Joseph is not really the father of Jesus (which is correct), and Mary was a virgin (also correct). If they believed that Mary was a virgin, they would realize Jesus’ uniqueness and not be surprised by His power. Jesus is rejected by those who know Him best but understand Him least. So do I accept Jesus as the Son of God, sent to redeem you and me by His death on the cross, totally showing God’s love and His eternal plan for all to be in Heaven if we believe, have faith, live the commandments and love? Lord, help us all. Thank You for Your love!

So I reflect on:

• Paul was a person of status before his conversion and it took a lot to bring him to his knees before Jesus. He received a “thorn in his flesh” to remind him of God’s presence and plan. How does this apply in my life?
• How might a “thorn” serve to strengthen my faith and my witness to Christ? Could it be that horrible sin that just doesn’t go away? Do I want to keep it, or ask God for help?

Sacred Space 2024 states:

“Jesus taught in the synagogue on the sabbath in His hometown. There was surely a risk involved. His wisdom astounded some but others took offense. Give us the wisdom and courage to live our faith among our own, especially those who do not understand it.

“The carpenter’s son became the preacher. His prophetic message challenged His listeners. Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith. May we be prophetic voices for Jesus among those who are hostile to the message.”