Daily Gospel Reflection

The Purpose of Rejection

Have you ever experienced rejection? Have you ever experienced rejection from your own family and friends? That's what Jesus encounters in today's gospel. Welcome back to Radical and Relevant. I'm Matthew Kelly. We're exploring the genius of the Gospel. Today's reading comes from the Gospel of Mark chapter 6 verses 1 through 6. Jesus went away and came to His own country, and His disciples followed Him. And on the Sabbath, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many who heard Him were astonished, saying, "Where did this man get all this wisdom? What is the wisdom given to Him? What mighty works are wrought by His hands? Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, and brother of James and Judas and Simon? And are not His sisters here with us?"

And they took offense at Him. And Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in His own country and among His own kin and in His own house." And He could do no mighty works there except that He laid His hand upon a few sick people and healed them. And He marveled because of their unbelief. And He went about among the villagers teaching, "What's your word? What's your phrase? What's your idea?" I think the idea for me today is that rejection comes very often from those that are closest to us. And I think that makes it hurt the most. But happened to Jesus. It's going to happen to us. It's part of life. We have to ask ourselves, in that rejection, what is the lesson? How does that rejection refine our character? How does that rejection raise up new virtue in our lives?

And so, as we go through today, think about, okay, how are you being rejected at this time in your life? How are you responding to that rejection at this time in your life? But let's also think about who are we encountering that are experiencing rejection in their lives? And how can we comfort them? How can we ease their pain in the midst of their rejection? God bless you. Have a great day. Remember, be bold, be Catholic.