Reflect today on those you know in life and seek the presence of God in everyone

“Isn't he the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon? Aren't your sisters here with us? “And they took offense at him. Mark 6: 3

After traveling the countryside performing miracles, teaching crowds, and gaining many followers, Jesus returned to Nazareth where he grew up. Perhaps his disciples were thrilled to return with Jesus to his native place thinking that his own citizens would be delighted to see Jesus again because of the many stories of his miracles and authoritative teaching. But soon the disciples would have a nice surprise.

After arriving in Nazareth, Jesus entered the synagogue to teach and taught with an authority and wisdom that confused the locals. They said to each other, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has he been given? “They were confused because they knew Jesus. He was the local carpenter who worked for years with his father who was a carpenter. He was the son of Mary and they knew his other relatives by name.

The main difficulty encountered by the citizens of Jesus was their familiarity with Jesus. They knew him. They knew where he lived. They knew him as he grew up. They knew his family. They knew everything about him. Therefore, they wondered how it could be something special. How could he now teach with authority? How could he work miracles now? So, they were stunned and let that amazement turn into doubt, judgment and criticism.

Temptation itself is something we all deal with more than we can realize. It is often easier to admire a stranger from afar than one we know well. When we first hear about someone doing something admirable, it's easy to join in that admiration. But when we hear good news about someone we know well, we can easily be tempted by jealousy or envy, to be skeptical and even critical. But the truth is that every saint has a family. And every family potentially has brothers and sisters, cousins ​​and other relatives through whom God will do great things. This shouldn't surprise us, it should inspire us! And we should rejoice when those close to us and with whom we are familiar are used forcefully by our good God.

Reflect today on those you know in life, especially your own family. Examine whether or not you struggle with the ability to see beyond the surface and accept that God dwells in everyone. We must constantly try to discover the presence of God all around us, especially in the lives of those we know very well.

My omnipresent Lord, thank you for the countless ways you are present in the lives of those around me. Give me the grace to see you and love you in the life of those closest to me. When I discover Your glorious presence in their lives, fill me with deep gratitude and help me recognize Your love coming out of their lives. Jesus I believe in you.