Wednesday 1 February 2023

Today is Wednesday the 1st of February, in the fourth week of Ordinary time.

The community of Taizé sing, Jésus le Christ: ‘Jesus Christ, inner light, do not let my darkness speak to me. Jesus Christ, inner light, let me welcome your love.’

Jésus le Christ, lumière intérieure
Ne laisse pas les ténèbres me parler
Jésus le Christ, lumière intérieure
Donne-moi d'accueillir ton amour


Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark.


Mark 6:1-6

He left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.’ And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.

Then he went about among the villages teaching.

Today we catch a glimpse of the place where Jesus spent his growing years, and the people who were around him. How do you imagine this experience for Jesus? Returning to the place he spent his “hidden years”?


Who does he think he is? He’s just from down the road. “They took offence at him”. Taking offence. Here, taking offence results in missing out - hugely - on what Jesus has to offer. It’s such a human trait though, isn’t it? Taking offence. Is there something I’m missing out on, just because I’ve taken offence? I could ask for a spirit of openness instead.


As you listen to the passage again, try and imagine the scene. Hear the tones of voices. “He laid hands on a few sick people and cured them.” What might it have been like to be one of those few people?


The Risen Christ in one of his encounters with his disciples, said “Blessed are those who have not seen, yet have believed.”

In these closing moments, let God know about where you stand. Or if that is difficult, try and come to a statement that describes what you believe about God.


Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.