Returning home

After performing two memorable miracles in the gospel of Mark that we heard yesterday, today we hear how he returns to his hometown of Nazareth.( Mark 6:1-6). As he was becoming known for his teaching and healing in other places, we would expect that the people who knew him best would give him a great welcome. However their reaction was quite the opposite. When he entered the synagogue and began to teach on the Sabbath, the people were astonished. This is the carpenter who repaired our houses and made our tables and chairs. He never studied anymore than us so what right has he got to think he knows more than us. But Jesus said, ''Prophets are honoured by everyone except the people of their hometown.'' How often in Peru did I hear a reply like that when I invited someone to be a community leader or catequist. The community know me too well and they won't accept me, they said. My reply was that Jesus spoke those words before his death and resurrection. Now as St Paul says, ''The body of Christ has many parts. Together you are the body of Christ. Each one of you is part of his body.'' (1 Corinthians 12:27) We are all called to play our part according to the gifts we have. When the youth were preparing the Sunday mass in Brasil, I asked Diva if she would like to help with the singing. ''Not me,'' she said. Then I asked her if she would like to do a reading. Again ''Not me.'' But she then picked up a broom and began to sweep the floor. She had found what she could do. May each of us discover what we can do to help build up the community of Jesus amongst us.