Wednesday of the 4th week in ordinary time
2 Sam. 24:2.9-17 Mark 6:1-6
Theme: “Familiarity breeds contempt”
Today the church celebrates the memorial of St. John Bosco, a priest and the founder of the Salesians and the daughters of Mary, Help of Christians. He spent his life taking care of the poor and less privileged people in society. This wonderful apostolate he took upon himself, has continued as an apostolate among the groups he founded. In our world today, we still need men and women who will get involved in their own little ways of caring for the poor and less privileged youths in our society. This is not a task that should be left to these groups alone, we all as children of God can contribute in one way or the other, towards contributing to better the lives of young people who are suffering in one way or the other in our society.
You don’t have to be a religious, priest, or be wealthy to be part of this wonderful apostolate. All we need is the right disposition and the willingness to add value to the lives of all those who encounter you. You may not necessarily give them money, but you may be able to introduce them to a new skill or knowledge that will empower them for life. We all have something to offer to each other, if we are determined to make it happen. There is nobody who is so poor and has nothing to give to somebody else. Always remember that you have something that someone else needs, share it and the blessings of God will continue to abound in your life. We have gone past the time when people think it is only money that the poor and less privileged need from you. Share with them the knowledge you have, to better their lives. You will be surprised that if you are humble and patient around them, you can also learn something that may be very useful to you too. Remember, no one has it all, just like a tree cannot make a forest.
In the gospel of St. Mark today, we see what familiarity can do to us. This was exactly the situation between Jesus and his people. There was lack of faith from the people because they knew Jesus and all those around him, and as a result, Jesus did not perform many miracles amongst his people. On this note, I want to ask you this question, have you ever looked down on anyone because you know the person very well? It is a serious mistake to do that because you will end up as the loser. God chooses whoever he desires to carry out his mission, irrespective of what you think about his choice. May almighty God bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. Peace be with you.