July 4, 2021: 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

When God speaks a message, those who hear it are compelled to respond, and no longer remain neutral.

Jesus comes to visit His hometown, and the people there are astonished at the amazing things He teaches in the synagogue, to the point that they can't believe someone from among could have attained such greatness.  In their hardness of heart, they take offense at Him.

This story is like a microcosm of how Jesus comes to the people of Israel, who ultimately reject Him, because He is not in line with the Messiah they expected, and prophesies in ways they can't stand.

Yet surely Jesus went to His hometown in the same spirit as when God sent the prophet Ezekiel, who went fully aware the people were hard of heart, as God had told Him.  Even when they reject the messenger, they have to acknowledge that a prophet has been among them.

When we go forth in the power of God to answer the call to proclaim His message by our lives, even when we face opposition from the obstinate, we go forth with the consolation that His grace is sufficient, as St. Paul learned in facing his affliction.  In our weaknesses and struggles, He will truly manifest His power.

On a day when we celebrate the heritage of freedom in the United States, we, as people of faith, acknowledge God has set us free so we may live with the great purpose He grants us.