4th Sunday of Ordinary Time (C)

February 1,2004

by Rev. Herbert Nichols

Isn’t it amazing how we can evoke different and almost contradictory emotions? To some, a person may be immensely appealing, while to others, irritating and repugnant. That is exactly the case of what is happening in today’s gospel. While many are awed at his wisdom and wonderful powers, we heard last Sunday: their eyes were fixed on Him.

Yes, but for some, those eyes were like bayonets or nails. Right then and there some would not be satisfied without hurling him over a cliff to His death.

Jesus’ stinging remark about the failure to be accepted as a prophet in his native place refers to a long line of witnesses called by God to speak His word. They do not soften or cushion it but tell it as it is, which usually isn’t popular because it evokes a challenge.

Although some like a challenge, many others do not. It disturbs the peace. It rocks the boat. It unrests our security or opens our eyes to recognize that our security is perhaps not that secure after all.

Even those who accept challenge can become very lukewarm. Think of all the Bethlehemers and Jerusalemites on Palm Sunday. Waving palm branches and demanding that Jesus be crowned king; but within a few short hours the crown they gave him was thorns, and a throne of death on a cross.

How can love be so twisted into such hatred in so short a time? Have you ever loved someone deeply and later came to despise them, perhaps after a divorce?

We are attracted to Jesus for the mercy and love and forgiveness of sins that he shows in His life; but when He challenges us to be merciful and forgiving, we might feel that is just too much to ask.

Hearing the word of God challenges us to respond. To be responsible requires a change of heart, mind and attitude that we can never accomplish except by grace. Grace works like a safety deposit box. It requires two keys -- your key and God’s key. Neither can do without the other.

God has made his choice to work with you. But you also must choose. For if we choose not to use our key, to simply do nothing; that is also a response. In the original account of this scenario from Mark’s gospel we are told that Jesus was so distressed He was unable to work any miracles there and chose to move on. Wiping the dust from his feet, Nazareth would never see its Messiah again.

Having no place of his own to call home, Jesus ate meals wherever He got a chance; often with close friends like Martha, Mary, and Lazarus of Bethany; at other times with some unholy terrors: murderers, prostitutes, tax collectors and thieves. Why, He even included some of these among his closest allies.

He also ate with the Pharisees, the Temple clergy and teachers, self-proclaimed righteous, holier than thous. The sinners complained about his eating with such hypocrites. But the sanctimonious would not even tolerate the presence of scum, perhaps fearing contamination with disease, leprosy, or infection from personal sin. Yet not once is Jesus accused of ever communicating anything which is unholy or unhealthy. He only brought healing, mercy, and forgiveness.

Perhaps this inconsistency of response and Jesus’ warning can best be seen in the discipleship of Judas Iscariot. Surely there was an initial fervor and love in Judas’ heart; but fear was allowed to fester, and fear smothers hope. Even his sorrow and regret were unable to bring repentance and forgiveness.

Lent is only a few days away. It is called the acceptable time; the time of salvation. It is a time of making decisions. Whatever anyone may say, Christianity is not a religion of do’s and don’ts, but of becoming holy and blessed.

It is clearly a religion of choice. Your choice. It may be easier if someone says: Do or don’t, but that is not how the New Covenant speaks. The gospel makes it very clear. Choose, the choice is up to you.