Wednesday, 31 January 2024. Read 2 Samuel 24:2,8-17, Ps. 32:1-2,5-7, Mark 6:1-6
“Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us? And they took offence at him.” (Mark 6:3)
In today’s first reading, David ordered a national census. When the number was given to him, his conscience struck him; he realised he had done something God forbade. David begged for mercy, but despite his plea, seventy thousand innocent souls perished. This is a clear example of how bad leadership can destroy the people.
In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus visits his home town, Nazareth, where he grew up and spent almost three decades. He goes to their synagogue on a Sabbath day and begins to teach, but those who knew Him as “the carpenter’s son” take offence because He revealed his identity as God. Jesus did no mighty work there except to lay his hands on and heal a few sick people. This shows that sometimes, the followers are to blame for their misfortunes. What lessons do our readings teach us today?
1. Leadership is Delicate: As a leader in any capacity, know that the lives of so many are in your hands. What you do or refuse to do could have either positive or negative consequences on others. Do not get carried away by the glories of that leadership position (the power, the fame or the financial benefits). Be concerned about the welfare of the people lest you become a tool of destruction. If you want to be a leader to escape poverty, please reconsider. The blood of innocent lives will be demanded of you if you fail. On the other hand, let us pray for our leaders. (Cf. 1 Timothy 2:1-4). Even though their office resembles God's, they are still humans capable of making mistakes.
2. No Matter How Bad Things Become, Take Responsibility: David did not resign to fate when the pestilence began. He continued praying until something happened (P.U.S.H). David took full responsibility for the deaths of the people; he did not go about pointing fingers or blaming the victims. As a leader, accept your faults, take responsibility, and find a solution when things get bad. Do not be like leaders who blame their predecessors even after years of assuming office.
3. Familiarity Breeds Contempt: A few days ago, we heard Jesus say that all those who hear His word and keep it are His mother, brother and sister. This means that Jesus regards us as a family; He wants us to be familiar with Him and to see Him as a friend rather than a police officer. Familiarity draws us to God. However, it can also lead to contempt.
The problem with the Nazarenes was not familiarity but contempt; they were angry with Jesus. They expressed this anger by claiming to know the so-called brothers and sisters of Jesus. When we fail to accept the truth about Mary, we indirectly deny Jesus’ divinity. To say Jesus had biological brothers and sisters is to align with those who do not believe Jesus is God. Jesus’ power was not reduced in his home town; instead, their anger shielded His blessings. Could it be that my anger with God is blocking my miracles?
Let us pray: Almighty, ever-living God, deepen our faith and grant that we may never suffer for the sins of our leaders. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saint John Bosco, Priest. Bible Study: 2 Samuel 24:2,8-17, Ps. 32:1-2,5-7, Mark 6:1-6).
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu
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