Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Fourteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time - Year B

Last week we heard from Mark's account of the Gospel about the healing of Jairus' daughter and the haemorrhaging woman that touched Jesus' cloak. In both cases, as in almost all of the healing miracles recorded in the Gospel, it was their faith in Jesus that made it possible for God's power to work in them. Particularly the woman who was healed without Jesus initially being ware that she had reached out to him.

Today we hear Mark's account of Jesus' return to Nazareth where He experiences, and is amazed by, their unbelief in Him. 'Where did this man get all this?' they ask.

What a contrast to 'If I can just touch His clothes, I know I will get well.'

To the people of His hometown, Jesus is still the boy they knew. The cousin and friend who, following in his father's footsteps, has become a young tradie. And now, here he is speaking to them of God.

And their lack of faith means that he cannot work miracles amongst them.

God's grace is present to us in many ways, but particularly in the sacraments. And it is characteristic of the sacraments that, in them, grace is not only offered but must be accepted. We must be willing participants that approach God seeking God's grace. Whether in the Eucharist, or seeking to be reconciled with God in the sacrament of Penance.

For me, Mark's account of Jesus' homecoming is a reminder not to take God for granted, but to seek out God's grace, deliberately and often.

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