Why not ME and MY Will?

Today’s gospel reading (Luke 4:24-30) delivers an immediate message “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.” Almost these exact same words appear in the gospel of Mark as well. Some interpretations equate this to the adage “familiarity breeds contempt.” Why is it that when we know people well, we sometimes find ourselves overly critical of them? Is it that we try to find faults in their personality, habits, and work ethic? Think back to a college roommate that didn’t work out, or a former relationship that didn’t make it past the three-year “honeymoon phase.” Maybe you even work with someone that has begun to get on your nerves or rubs you the wrong way. Maybe it’s that student that you’ve now had for 2 a couple years in a row. Psychologists suggest that the qualities in others that annoy us, are, in fact, qualities that we dislike about ourselves. Do we allow these thoughts to hinder us from being open to why God placed that person in our lives to begin with? What might we learn about ourselves and thus others through this relationship? Do we do it to elevate our own sense of self-worth and place it above theirs? Is it possibly righteous indignation?

In the first reading (2 Kings 5:1-15AB) Naaman the Syrian (a commander in Syria’s army) was healed of leprosy. Those, and there were many, suffering from leprosy in Israel at the time, failed to listen to their own prophet, Elisha, and possibly be healed. Jesus uses this story in the synagogue to illustrate the disbelief that had prevented many from seeing the healing power amongst one of their own. We must not let our irritations or overly critical thinking of those closest to us, keep us from seeing their beauty and God given gifts.

Another important lesson to lift from these two readings is that God’s mercy, grace, forgiveness and love cannot be bought. Naaman arrived in a Chariot (and with many riches to offer as payment) at the home of the prophet Elisha. Elisha gave him very simple instructions to bathe seven times in the river Jordan but Naaman had expected the prophet to come out to him, place his hands on his body and heal him right then and there. Naaman got angry and stormed away. It wasn’t until later, at the urging of his servant, that Naaman followed the prophet’s instructions and was healed. Elisha accepted no payment. The healing was a gift. How often do allow our own prideful idea of how things should go to cause bitterness and fury when what we should do is follow the Lord’s simple instructions? If the “plan” doesn’t go our way and within the time frame we expect, do we doubt God? It is not through pride, power, riches or alliances that we gain God’s mercy, grace, forgiveness or love, either. It is humbly, through our faith that we are made whole again. It is through our faith that, despite our doubts, we are loved; each one of us: rich or poor, male or female, black or yellow or white, cradle Catholics or non-Catholic Christians.

Prayer:

God, today I ask that you open my heart and mind to see those around me as you intended; as the beautiful creatures You made in Jesus’ likeness. I ask that, through your grace, the Holy Spirit cleanse my heart and mind of all ill will I may hold toward others. And God, I also ask that you send the Holy Spirit to be with those who are suffering from mental illness that causes them to feel rage that clouds their minds and causes them to hurt others. May they know and feel YOUR love and be wrapped up in the love and care of those who can best help them. I ask that you watch over all children everywhere, of all colors and faiths. Keep them safe from harm. It is not how much we have, but how much we give freely to others that matters to You. Amen

 Author: Madeline Maggard, Language Department