Overfamiliar

In Mark 6:1-13 Jesus visits his hometown of Nazareth and sends out his disciples. People remembered Jesus in Nazareth. The memory of him being a carpenter and their familiarity with his mother, brothers, and sisters prevented the people from recognizing his authority and identity. At first the Nazareth listeners were shocked by Jesus’ teaching in the synagogue, but they quickly dismissed and rejected him. They didn’t honour Jesus as Messiah much less a prophet. In fact, they were offended by him. 

The people’s dismissal of Jesus is closely connected to their lack of faith. Somehow faith is an important element in miracles. In western culture we don’t seem to see or experience the kinds of miracles that are happening in other places around the world. Perhaps we are too familiar with Jesus, just thinking of him as just an ordinary religious figure. Often it seems Jesus is quickly dismissed, rejected, or even offends people. 

When we acknowledge Jesus’ authority and identity we give him honour. As our acknowledgement grows so can our faith. Even in ordinary time our faith can grow, and we can see Jesus do the miraculous. Our faith grows when we keep looking at Jesus in every context and every hardship.