DEALING WITH REBELLION AND REJECTION IN OUR CHRISTIAN LIFE

Homily for the Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year B

Fr. Ugochukwu Ugwoke, ISch

Bible Readings: Ezekiel 2:2-5; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Mark 6:1-6

The readings of this fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time invite us to reflect deeply on the themes of rejection and resistance. From the prophet Ezekiel’s mission to the Apostle Paul’s struggles and Jesus’ rejection in his hometown, we see a common thread: the challenge of being rejected and resisted when carrying out God’s work.

In the first reading from the book of the prophet Ezekiel, we see Ezekiel being sent as a prophet to the Israelites, a rebellious and obstinate people. God does not hide the truth from Ezekiel; He prepares him for the resistance he will face. Despite their stubbornness, God still sends Ezekiel, showing his enduring patience and commitment to reaching out to his people. This narrative is a powerful reminder of our own call to be prophets in our time. We are often met with resistance when we try to live out our faith or speak the truth. Let us know that the role of the prophet is not to guarantee acceptance but to ensure that the truth is spoken. Just as Ezekiel was called to stand firm in the face of rejection, we too are called to remain steadfast in our faith and to continue to proclaim God’s love and truth, regardless of the challenges we face. 

In the second letter, St Paul in his letter to the Corinthians reveals his personal struggle with what he calls a “thorn in the flesh.” Despite his repeated prayers for its removal, God responds, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul’s acceptance of his weakness and the subsequent revelation of God’s power through it is a profound lesson for us. Resistance and rejection often expose our vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Paul’s experience teaches us that these moments can be opportunities for God’s grace to shine through. When we accept our weaknesses and rely on God’s strength, God’s power is manifested in ways we could never achieve on our own.

In the gospel reading, we find Jesus returning to his hometown of Nazareth, only to be met with skepticism and rejection by his own people. The people could not reconcile Jesus, whom they knew as a carpenter, with the wisdom and miracles he exhibited. Their familiarity with his family background blinded them to his divine mission. Jesus’ rejection in Nazareth highlights a painful reality: sometimes, the hardest place to be accepted is among those who know us best. This account challenges us to recognize and overcome our own biases and prejudices that might prevent us from seeing God’s work in those around us.

In our day-to-day lives, we all experience rejection in various forms, whether it be from loved ones, colleagues, or society at large. This rejection can manifest as being overlooked for a promotion, feeling unappreciated by family, or encountering hostility for our beliefs and values. Such experiences often leave us feeling isolated, inadequate, and disheartened, challenging our self-worth and shaking our confidence. However, these moments of rejection also provide opportunities for growth and reflection, pushing us to rely more deeply on God’s love and grace. By embracing our vulnerabilities and persevering through adversity, we can find strength in our faith, transforming rejection into a testament of resilience and a deeper connection with the divine.

Lastly, the response to the psalm, “Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy,” captures the essence of our dependence on God amidst resistance and rejection. The psalmist’s plea for mercy reflects a deep trust in God’s compassion, even when surrounded by thorns, contempt, and scorn. In our moments of rejection, whether by society, friends, or even family, this psalm encourages us to lift our eyes to the Lord, trusting in his mercy and unwavering support. Amen.