Monday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
(I Corinthians 2:1-5; Luke 4:16-30)
We may ask ourselves why everyone does not believe in Jesus. After all, the apostles died giving witness to his works, words, and the wonder of his resurrection. Furthermore, he preached peace, our hearts’ desire, and saints throughout the centuries have validated his message.
But even in Jesus’ own time his glory was not self-evident. Simeon, the seer in the Temple when Jesus was dedicated, predicted that he would not be accepted by all. The gospel today shows the rejection taking root as Jesus launches his project of bringing God’s care to the people. Some of his own neighbors, whom we might expect to support him at all costs, find his claims outrageously pretentious.
Perhaps a better question to ask is why we continue to believe in Jesus. Beyond the wisdom of his teachings and the valor of his story is our reason not that when we called out to him in need, we felt the strength of his presence? We believe because he has touched us with his love.
