Mark 6:1-6
In the movie, The Song of Bernadette, there was an old nun who absolutely despised Bernadette Soubirous. She mocked her, accused her of wanting attention and was bitter and angry. The story eventually reveals the true motive for her dislike of Bernadette. She was essentially jealous of her. She considered herself faithful, God-fearing and upright, and could not understand why she had not been selected to be the recipient of such an apparition as was the young girl.
I think of this character in the movie whenever I hear this week’s reading of Mark 6:1-6. When Jesus teaches in the synagogue, instead of viewing him as a vehicle of God’s Word, the people there instead “TAKE OFFENCE AT HIM”.
As amazed as they were by his teaching and spiritual insights, they were not ready to accept that this “hometown boy” could offer them anything.
Have you ever felt this way about someone that you knew, perhaps when they received accolades or some recognition or even a following of people that you could not acquire? Thoughts can creep into our minds and cold hearts and cause us to miss out on opportunities or experiences that could be life-changing. One of our own Canadian saints, St. Brother Andre, was considered a “nobody”. He was uneducated, not all that social, and did not particularly “fit in” with others. However, his quiet devotion and faithfulness (especially to St. Joseph) was evident. He was simple and direct about how he felt God’s presence in his life and the lives of those who came to him seeking solace. Accounts tell us that people who sat with him for just a few moments left feeling more accepting of their situations and personal relationships with God. Do we sometimes back off from someone who might be placed in our lives for a purpose? Do we reject them because they don’t “fit the mold?” God often selects the most unexpected individuals to become beacons in our darkness. Open your heart! You might be surprised.
…..and by the way, St. Brother Andre was a hometown boy for me. I was born and raised in Quebec just miles from where he was born and began his humble life.
REFLECTION
Be open to surprise this week with unanticipated people and moments in your life. Before you take offence, take a look!
Jim Dunn
Blessèd Blending
July 7, 2018