Above the door of the synagogue there should have been a sign that read “Hometown Boy Returns: Show at Noon.” Jesus had been working miracles and word had gotten back to his hometown. The people in the synagogue must have been excited and full of anticipation. That is probably why Jesus was asked to read from the scroll even though He is “the son of Joseph”, the carpenter.
Jesus read the scripture and told the crowd that, “today, this scripture passage is fulfilled in your hearing.” There must have been quite a murmur go through the synagogue. Men must have been elbowing each other saying, “this is going to be good, he’ll probably give sight to the blind sinner” or “watch this he’ll heal a lame person.” They waited in anticipation for Jesus to work some small miracle. Their heads must have been filled with ideas about what they would like to see Jesus do. Herod acted the same way.
However, they are disappointed. Jesus knows what they are thinking. He knows they are expecting a show or perhaps some “proof.” He quickly tells them that they will not get any proof or any sign. He knows that they are not filled with faith but only a crowd of men looking at Him as though He were some sort of circus performer. They feel entitled to a show of some sort since they know Him, they grew up with Him, they know His family. Jesus does not give them what they had expected. He then accuses them of their folly by pointing to prophets of old who were not accepted by their “own people.”
The guilt is too much for them to bear so they usher Him out of the synagogue and drag Him to the edge of a cliff. I don’t know how He escaped but I often like to think of the scene in The Passion of The Christ when Jesus is confronted in the Garden. The entire scene is played out in surreal slow motion. I like to image the crowd gathered around Jesus at the edge of the cliff and then suddenly all is nearly frozen. Jesus quietly and slowly walks back toward the town passing each person and looking deep into their souls.
How often have I skipped over reading the Gospel because I think I know it already, having heard it many times? How often do I neglect prayer because I’m saying the same things and Jesus already knows what I would say anyway? We can never fully know God as we think we might. That is part of the fun, beauty, and adventure of a life of faith. Let us, from this moment forward, never presume to know God. In other words, never let us assume that our relationship is complete, stale, or comfortable. Rather, let us live as new lovers always seeking to be with and hear from our beloved. Let us live in joyful anticipation of being surprised by His love, gestures, and whispers.
So, what can you do to get those first feelings of love back? Here’s some ideas:
- Realize love and feelings of love are seasonal and just that, feelings. They come and go, ebb and flow. The key is to stick to the relationship even when you don’t “feel” like it. Make a commitment and stick to it!
- Revisit and thank the Lord for the times when you felt especially close to Him or He felt especially close to you. For myself, often simply looking at old pictures of my wife and myself kindles a spark deep inside. I also like to look back on my journals, remembering all the Lord has done for me.
- Set aside time to talk with God. Put it on your calendar, make the effort. ALL relationships take work, especially the most important ones.
- Perform works of mercy and acts of kindness for God through others. He wasn’t kidding about doing things for the least of these!
- Other ideas…..let me know in the comments!
FROM THE SAINTS
“A humble soul does not trust itself, but places all its confidence in God.” – St. Faustina
New Book!
Did Jesus Have a Puppy?
Adults and children alike love this delightfully illustrated rhyming book that imagines how Jesus’ puppy may have been just like our own puppies. Includes space for personal puppy pictures, journaling page, prayers, and more. It’s a great Catholic book for kids of ages.
James M. Hahn, Author 