FOURTEENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YR B
Ezek. 2:2-5; Ps 123
2Cor. 12:7-10; Mk 6:1-6
FACING REJECTION IN THE COMPANY OF JESUS
After performing great miracles of healing and casting out demons and preaching the good news in other towns, Jesus decides to return home. In his hometown he decided to teach and perform the same miracles but things did not go as he expected. His people did not receive him. They rejected him.
“Is this not the carpenter’s son?”(Mk 6:2). By making this statement they show that they did not recognize him as a rabbi. The refused to look beyond his past and his family to accept him for who he is now. This happens to us too. Sometimes we are rejected because of our past, our family,our tribe or race.
They also said about Jesus, “is this not Mary’s son?” This was to show their total disregard for him because a Jewish man is always identified by his father and not his mother. To identify him with the mother was to see him as illegitimate.
Like Jesus, many of us would be insulted and rejected at some moments in our lives. This rejection would sometimes come from those who are closest to you. In such a situation, remember that Jesus was rejected not only by strangers but by his own people. What can we learn from the way he handled the rejection?
He did not argue with them. Jesus did not seek to prove himself to them or to fight for his right as a true Jew. When people reject you, you should not indulge them. There is no point arguing with those who see nothing good in you. Always remember you deserve better from better people.
Jesus respected their opinions about him. The reasons for their rejection of Jesus was the opinions they had about him as a carpenter and “illegitimate” child. Jesus respected their opinion. Everybody has an opinion, so do you. Other people’s opinion cannot define who you are. If they have an opinion about you, what is your own opinion about yourself?
Jesus moved on. He moved on to other villages. He took the good news to other places. When friends and family reject you, do not stay to show them anything. Sometimes we still want to hold on when in fact it’s over. Your destiny is bigger than one location and cannot happen only in one place. Move on.
Jesus continued with his good works. He did not give up on his vocation because his own people rejected him. Sometimes when you face rejection you are tempted to give up on your vocation, work and responsibilities. But be like Jesus, continue your work and get better at it. Let rejection become a springboard for you to become better and rise to greater heights.
Don’t over think. In the face of rejection, you may feel that everybody hates you. The truth is that those who love you are more than those who hate you. There are many more people who treasure you as a person, your talents and your abilities. Don’t over think. Some people hate you don’t worry, many others love you.
Jesus surrounded himself with those who love him. He had his disciples. In your loneliness and rejection, surround yourself with those who love you and will encourage you. Those who know your value. This does not mean you surround yourself with sycophants but those who know your faults, tell you about them but still put their arms around you. Fill your personal space with people with positive energy.
Prayer is indispensable. Always remember to pray to God about everything. He listens. He will grant you the peace and the consolation of the Holy Spirit. When we pray to him about our experience of rejection, he will make us strong. Knowing that Jesus also faced rejection must give us some comfort.
God bless you.
BY Rev. Fr. Delight Arnold Carbonu
