In today’s Gospel we hear how Jesus offends the people in his hometown. What offended or scandalized the people of his native place? It does not seem to be his teaching in the synagogue since we hear that “many who heard him were astonished.” They acknowledge that “wisdom has been given him” and that “might deeds are wrought by his hands!” What scandalizes them is that they know him too well, he is the “carpenter, the son of Mary.” They know he is the brother of James, Joseph, Judas and Simon. They also know his sisters.
The scandal or offense that Jesus causes is the scandal of the incarnation. Jesus the Son of God has taken flesh and revealed to us the one true God:
“And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us, and we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father’s only Son, full of grace and truth… No one has ever seen God. The only Son, God, who is at the Father’s side, has revealed him.” (John 1:14, 18).
It seems that it is easier to see and acknowledge the presence of God in extraordinary things rather than in the ordinary events of our everyday life. Jesus acknowledges that a prophet finds it difficult to find acceptance among his own: “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house…He was amazed at their lack of faith.” Jesus reveals the one true God in the carpenter shop and in his preaching and teaching.
Today you and I are invited to experience the presence of God in the ordinary experiences of everyday life. God speaks to us in a special way through the prayers and Scripture that is proclaimed at mass. God also speaks to us through people that we meet and hear every day. What is Jesus the carpenter saying to us today?
Image: “Christ learning from St Joseph” by Lawrence OP is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.