of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2024 FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER

WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 2024 FIFTH WEEK OF EASTER

Meditations

THE DOUBTING HOME TOWN (Mt 13:54-58)

Prayer:

O Jesus, I will believe and not doubt.

Imagination:

Picture Jesus teaching in the synagogue at Nazareth.

Context:

The gospels record Jesus coming back to Nazareth and being met with a lack of faith.  The people know about his miraculous powers but remain cynical.  Their lack of faith limits the fruitfulness of Jesus’ powers.

Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)

Jesus came to his own town and taught in their synagogue. Yet, they wondered and said, “How did he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles? Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary and his relatives, James and Joseph and Simon and Jude? Are not all his sisters with us? Where did he get all these powers? “They were scandalized concerning him.
Jesus said to them, “A prophet is without honor only in his own country and in his native place.” He did not work many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder those that attract you.)

  1. Jesus returns to Nazareth with high hopes.  He has been so successful in other places.
  2. He follows his usual plan and goes to the synagogue to teach.
  3. The response here is different.  The people question his powers and do not seek healings.
  4. Being too familiar with his family, they reject him.
  5. Jesus is saddened. He wanted so much to help those he grew up with.
  6. He has infinite power, but he cannot use it for people who do not believe.

Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • O Jesus, you have high hopes.  You want to do great things for me.
  • You come to me, just as you come to every person.
  • You want to bless me and pour out your favors.
  • I will not disappoint you.  I will not reject you.
  • Who are you and who am I? You are the Lord.  I am the servant.
  • O Jesus, my heart is empty and you will fill it.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+ I will have great faith in Jesus’ care for me.

+ I will ask him to come to my heart.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)

He worked no miracles there.