At Home

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

Being at home and with your people means being known well and teased a lot.  Parents often retell the silly stories of their grown children's childhood antics, much to the embarrassment of their offspring. Old friends joke about foolish mistakes and youthful indiscretions. It is often hard to be seen as the full person one has become. Jesus felt the sting which we all have experienced, being disempowered by those who know us best. And yet, God know the depth and breadth of our power and capacity, since we are made in the Creator's image. We are more than our childhood follies and are promised God's blessings despite where we find ourselves or how people choose to see us.

Gracious Creator, you shape us from the beginning

calling us into being by the power of your spirit

placing your love permanently in our young hearts

and giving us growth and possibilities always.

Among our kin and in our home villages

we often feel diminished despite all the love 

once a place of comfort, now a place of testing

and we feel isolated and alone in our homes.

Help us today to see the promise in our relatives

give us your eyes to see the gifts that they bring

give us the compassion to be encouraging mentors 

so your gifts might be seen by the whole world. Amen.