Reflection
Strange people those who lived in Nazareth. They were able to see that Jesus had a great message, was persuasive and could do marvellous works. But they couldn’t take him seriously because he was just one of their own.
Our challenge: Who do you know who is a remarkable person?
Are there many among your acquaintances who are worthy of appreciation?
If you find this difficult, take more time till you can unearth the value in the people around you.
Today’s Prayer
Preparation: Begin by stilling; then dedicating the time of prayer to God and asking God that all you think, feel and imagine are for the glory of God.
Gift: Ask for what you desire. Suggestion: To know Jesus more clearly, love him more dearly, and follow him more nearly.
Setting: A Scripture reading to ponder – Lectio Divina.
Scripture
Matthew 13:53-58
When Jesus had finished these parables, he departed from there.
Coming into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue,
so that they were astonished and said,
“Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works?
Isn’t this the carpenter’s son?
Isn’t his mother called Mary, and his brothers James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?
Aren’t all of his sisters with us?
Where then did this man get all of these things?”
They were offended by him.
But Jesus said to them,
“A prophet is not without honour, except in his own country and in his own house.”
He didn’t do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.
Conversation: Talk to Jesus in your own words as a friend
Final Prayer: End with a formal prayer such as the Lord’s Prayer/Our Father.
Today’s Music
Ave Verum: music by Richard Burchard, sung by the Stellenbosch University Choir
Translation
Hail, true Body, born of the Virgin Mary,
having truly suffered, sacrificed on the cross for humankind,
from whose pierced side water and blood flowed.
O sweet and pious Son of Mary,
be for us an indication of the heavenly banquet in the trial of death.
O sweet Jesus, O holy Jesus,
O Jesus, son of Mary,
have mercy on me. Amen.