Gospel Reading 

Mt 13:54-58

Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.

Sermon:

My brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s Gospel reading presents us with a familiar scenario: Jesus returns to his hometown and teaches in the synagogue. But instead of being welcomed, he is met with skepticism and offense.

The people question Jesus' authority, citing his humble origins as the son of a carpenter. They fail to recognize the divine wisdom and power that resides within him.

Jesus responds by saying that a prophet is not honored in his own native place. He is rejected by those who know him best, precisely because they think they know him too well.

This passage teaches us:

1. Familiarity can breed contempt. We often overlook the gifts and talents of those closest to us.

2. Faith is essential for experiencing God's power. The people's lack of faith limited Jesus' ability to work mighty deeds in his hometown.

3. Jesus' true identity transcends his human origins. He is more than just the son of a carpenter; he is the Son of God.

May we not make the same mistake as Jesus' hometown crowd. May we recognize the divine presence in our midst and have faith in his power to transform our lives.

Prayer:

Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Almighty, loving and merciful God,

Forgive us for the times we have doubted your power and wisdom, simply because we thought we knew you too well. Help us to see beyond the familiar and recognize the divine presence in our midst.

Increase our faith, that we may experience your power and transformation in our lives. May we not limit your ability to work mighty deeds in our midst due to our lack of faith.

Remind us that Jesus' true identity transcends his human origins, and that he is the Son of God, worthy of our worship and praise.

May we welcome Jesus with open hearts and minds, and may we never take his presence for granted.

Help us to recognize and honor the gifts and talents of those closest to us, and may we never overlook the divine wisdom and power that resides within them.

In Jesus' most holy name we pray, Amen.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,

Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ