Choice Words
"And [Jesus] said, 'Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.'" (Luke 4:24)
"And [Jesus] said, 'Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.'" (Luke 4:24)
Jesus’ words ring true today as they did two thousand years ago. While we may like to think we would be the prophets who are misunderstood by their families, let us ask ourselves how we react when our own family or friends challenge or instruct us on our paths of righteousness.
Jesus experienced this rejection in his own hometown of Nazareth when he spoke with a wisdom and power that surprised them. Their familiar image of him as the carpenter's son caused them to miss the spiritual truths he offered. They failed to recognize him and receive his words because they thought they already knew him. They were so focused on who they thought he was, that they failed to see who he truly was.
Today’s Gospel passage invites us to examine our own hearts and ask ourselves if we are guilty of the same kind of pride and blindness. We can consider if, at times, we dismiss the insights or guidance of those closest to us simply because they are familiar. To do so, we must embrace the three most important virtues which, according to St. Bernard of Clairvaux, are 1) humility, 2) humility, and 3) humility. Humility is a willingness to let go of our expectations and embrace the possibility that the people who are most familiar to us are still capable of being wise companions with us on our spiritual journeys.
Do I have a heart of humility, one that is willing to graciously receive words of spiritual wisdom from those whom the Lord has placed on my path?
Lord, grant me the grace and humility to recognize those you have placed in my life and to graciously receive their encourages and challenges. Amen.
Charmaine Carter, MD is a retired physician, now serving as the Director of Evangelization and Adult Faith Formation at the Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle. She became Catholic 16 years ago along with her husband Deacon John Carter and their 3 children. She holds a Master of Theology from Saint Leo University, and she is a Spiritual Director, having trained at the Cenacle of Our Lady of Divine Providence School of Spirituality. On any given day, you will find her studying and/or teaching Sacred Scriptures, which are her passions.
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