Prophecy is good for giving hope and guiding the people. These tasks are not impossibilities but it could be very tough especially if we look into the situation from where Ezekiel is coming from. He is the prophet where today’s 1st reading is from. Each one of us is also called to be a prophet in our own right. We have a responsibility in our hands to the people around us especially those who are close to us to call their attention if we know that they are straying away from the faith. It is very difficult especially if we have encountered people who could be very cunning and discreet in the ways of the world that they could even make things look practical and can even try to influence other people to their side to believe and support their worldly ideals. They could be very stubborn and can come up with all justifications and excuses. We may come to a point where we feel that we can only do so much. There is no need to despair, just like what the 1st reading said, it is no longer our call whether they heed or resist for at the end of the day it will be the person himself or herself who will decide. What matters most is that we've done our part in the best way we can. Amen. Hallelujah!
Ezekiel 2:2-5
...Hard of face and obstinate of heart are they to whom I am sending you. But you shall say to them: Thus says the Lord GOD! 5 And whether they heed or resist — for they are a rebellious house — they shall know that a prophet has been among them.
We are constantly faced with the battle of good and evil. There is a very big challenge always being given to us and it is up to us to accept it or not. Sometimes we are driven to the point of being constantly treated with contempt and mockery when we do not subscribe to the opinion of this world. It is hard to go against the whims and caprices of this world since we still belong to this world and it will surely get back at us for not conforming to it but we must not forget that we are not of this world. Most of all we should maintain this disposition that if God is with us who could be against us. Let us always focus on the Lord our God. Amen. Hallelujah!
P S A L M
Psalm 123:1-2. 2. 3-4
R: Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy.
...Have pity on us, O LORD, have pity on us, for we are more than sated with contempt; 4 our souls are more than sated with the mockery of the arrogant, with the contempt of the proud.
It may not sound logical for this world what Paul is trying to say in the 2nd reading. Who would want to be constantly hurt and bothered by a thorn in the flesh. But come to think of it, it is during these times of trials and persecutions that we remember God and come to Him for help. If we are able and whole then we sometimes neglect God and tend to forget Him. Bottom line is that we should only put our trust in the Lord our God. Amen. Hallelujah!
2 Corinthians 12:7-10
7 Brothers and sisters: That, I Paul, might not become too elated, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated. 8 Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, 9 but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. 10 Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong.
Sometimes the most unlikely things happen to us with people and in places where we least expect them to happen. Jesus lived and grew up for the majority of His life here on earth with his relatives and in his native place. How can it possibly be that the Most Perfect Human being who ever lived on earth was rejected by his own kin? But that's how it was for Him and could possibly be also for us. This should encourage us to become better Christians knowing that if He was rejected we should not expect a special treatment for ourselves. We are just setting ourselves up for a big disappointment if we always have big expectations from others most especially from people very close to us. It would be well for all of us if we just carry on with whatever good we can do and leave the rest to God. If we have decided to really follow Jesus then we have to be ready for trials and persecutions for even Him the Son of God, who resides in His Heavenly kingdom, All Holy, Powerful, Immortal, and Creator of heaven and earth was rejected and mocked by His own kin and household. If we haven't fully decided yet and still holding back from Him and still lack the faith then we should realize that it's really to our greatest loss and disadvantage for Jesus can not perform His mighty deeds in our lives without our cooperation. Bottom line again, it is always our choice. We should make Jesus our choice in our thoughts, words and in deeds. And it should be a firm, clear and unwavering one, no ifs and no buts. Amen. Hallelujah!
...And they took offense at him. 4 Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house." 5 So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith. He went around to the villages in the vicinity teaching.
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