Reflection for Monday of the Third Week of Lent

Today's readings are here: http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/031212.cfm

It must have been disappointing for our Lord that most of the people in his hometown did not believe in him.  In this rejection from his townsfolk, Jesus was the fulfillment of the type established in the Old Testament by Elijah and Elisha of Hebrew prophets who could only heal Gentiles because their native Hebrews did not believe in them.  When Jesus reminded the people in his hometown of this, he did not do it to condemn them.  Rather, he did it so that they might repent after seeing that they were committing the same mistake their forefathers made.  Of course, they did not believe Jesus was a prophet from God, so they got angry and tried to kill him.

This pattern of rejection from those who are closest to us is lived on in us who are members of Christ's body.  Oftentimes, our family, friends, and co-workers are the last ones to come to faith as a result of our lives, if they come to faith at all.  Familiarity breeds contempt.  Part of the problem could be that we do not live the faith well enough or give a true explanation of it when the opportunity arises.  These things can contribute to people's unbelief.


This Lent, may the Lord strengthen us to live our faith well and to teach it well when the opportunity presents itself.