Proclaim Repentance
David Brock of Redmond, OR, USA
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 offense at him. Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, 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. -Mark 6:3-6
Who are the prophets and healers we ignore in our communities? This is a difficult question, but today’s scripture demands we ask it. How many times have we rejected the prophetic utterance or refused the healing offered because we were focused on flaws and foibles in our neighbor or fellow Christian?
Most cultures have images to describe our tendency to hold down those closest to us who might rise above, stand out, or point us toward a different way of being. It is called the “tall-poppy syndrome” in Australia. In Latin America, the image is of crabs trapped in a bucket. When one crab climbs toward freedom, the others pull her back from the liberty she sought.
This is not a pleasant truth, but we must “examen” our hearts and minds to acknowledge when and to whom we act this way. We must discern why we hurt ourselves and others. How often does the Christ offer “the things that make for peace,” but we decline?
A more beautiful truth is that we are called and commissioned to be God’s people-all of us. Look at your life right now. Claim your identity as prophetic person and wounded healer. Name and number ways God has used even you to speak the truth in love to be a channel for healing.
When you finish that reflection, look to your family, congregation, and community. The prophet at your potluck or council meeting may be the weakest or weirdest among you. Words applied to the Christ in Isaiah 53:2-3 may also be true of prophets and healers near you today:
There was nothing attractive about him, nothing to cause us to take a second look. He was looked down on and passed over, a man who suffered, who knew pain firsthand. One look at him and people turned away. We looked down on him, thought he was scum. -The Message
Look to your hometown, among your kin, in your own house of worship. Honor the prophetic word and receive healing freely offered, there for the taking. Let’s not miss it, please. Not this time.
Prayer Phrase
“Your mercies are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23, adapted).
Spiritual Practice
Ordinary Time is a season for noticing the details of life that make up its substance. This month, we invite you to pay attention with each fresh morning to the gift of being alive. Before getting out of bed, take a few deep breaths and notice what it feels like to wake up in your own body. Engage the tasks of your unfolding day with reverence-brushing your teeth, making the bed, pouring the coffee, tending the kids, feeding the animals, making breakfast, etc. Notice the presence of the Holy in every ordinary thing. Embrace your daily routines with sacramental significance. Notice how long you can do this before your attention is taken away, and commit to returning to this simple awareness as gently and often as you can.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
