When Jesus had finished these parables, he left that place. He came to his home town and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, ‘Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?’ And they took offence at him. But Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honor except in their own country and in their own house.’ And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief. Matthew 13:53-58
When we are too well known, we can often be dismissed. "Familiarity breeds contempt" is too often the case for us humans, especially among friends and family. We can discount the capacity and wonder another can bring when we think we know them well. Jesus was at home and the people discounted him. and they would not accept he may be more than they knew him to be. We are invited today to open our hearts to possibilities, in ourselves and in others. We all may be more than what has been said or known about us, as God is still working in all of us.
Wondrous Creator, who made each unique
giving us the power to be remade and healed
renewed by your loving creativity in us all.
We get set in our ways and hold opinions
we do not update our knowledge and experience
and so we miss the joyous rebirth within.
Help us Lord, today, to open our hearts
to renewed understanding and new possibilities
so your love might flourish in every one of us. Amen.
