4th Sunday of the Year Insiders and Outsiders Last week, the people of Nazareth, heard Jesus proclaim his mission using the words of the prophet Isaiah. When they heard that sight would come to the blind, liberty to captives, and good news to the poor, they warmly approved and they claimed Jesus’ as one of their own - Joseph’s son. Jesus, reading their thoughts, knew where their intentions were leading. They wanted him as their own wonderworker. If he had done these marvels elsewhere, imagine what he was going to do for them! But that very attitude of claiming Jesus as their own is the antithesis what Jesus wanted. He had come to save all, and that included those outside the local area of Nazareth, indeed outside of Israel. His challenge to his people was to turn from looking after themselves and look outwards to all in need, even if this included the pagan and the marginalised. They found this challenge insulting and in fury tried to kill him. This time Jesus eluded death but the time would come when he would be killed for such an open and inclusive attitude. The temptation to look after ourselves, whether it be in our families, in our society, even in our church is very much with us. It is very easy to play insiders and outsiders, to find reasons why we shouldn’t include people in our conversation, our activities or our lives. Sometimes we are just selfish, sometimes it is pride dominating us, sometimes anger masks our fear but whatever may motivate us when we close off from people, we are not being led by the Spirit. All the good gifts Jesus our Saviour gives to us are ours so long as we are prepared to follow him and, in turn, give them away. We are saved so that we may be ministers of his salvation.
Sr Kym Harris OSB |