From today’s Scripture: “Jesus said, ‘A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.’”—Mk 6:3

Have you ever had the experience of going back home and listening to the stories people have of you? These are the stories you wish would have died when you were young. Falling down, sleeping in school, you name it. Our families remember and may put us in a box: This is the way one is. They may forget that we are older, with new experiences.

Jesus was put in a box when he returned home. “That is just Jesus,” perhaps they said. His neighbors would not listen to him. Their minds and hearts were closed off to him.

Jesus’ experience should help us to be open to all. When we cut others off by putting them in a box, we cut ourselves off from growing and appreciating the other.

Let us pray: Loving Jesus, I will encounter many people today. Let me love them by being open to each one. Strengthen me to see people in a new light.

Today’s author is Father Vic Subb, pastor of St. Joan of Arc parish in Washington County, North Carolina.

Free delivery!  Sign up to receive this in English or in Spanish daily by email.