PRI Reflections on Scripture | Memorial of Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr

Gospel Mark 6:1-6 Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. Reflection Jesus was ordinary. In terms of where he came from, his family background, the town he grew up in. And one might wonder why that happened? I think it's because we need to recognize that each and every one of us, no matter what our position in the world is, have within us the power to continue the ministry of Jesus through the healing power and the wisdom we can share. It's not about our position in the world. It's about our disposition toward what we are here for. And we are here to accomplish the work that flows through us. Closing Prayer Father, we tend to give authority to people who are in positions of power. We need to realize the only real truth. The only thing that gives us any authority is truth. So bless us with an ability to find that truth, to live that truth, and to recognize it really is a person who dwells within us. That's our authority. God inside of us. Guiding us, leading us. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices