OVER-FAMILIARITY
2Sam. 24:2.9-17, Ps. 32, Mk. 6:1-6
Hebrews 12:4–7, 11–15; Psalm 103; Mark 6:1-6
Jesus says, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country.” One interpretation of this scripture is that if we dishonor a prophet, we will never be able to draw his covering. The gospel specifically mentions this as the reason why Jesus was unable to execute mighty acts among his followers (Mark. 6:5). Let’s learn to appreciate and honor spiritual authorities.
“A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country,” equally shows how Jesus was treated with contempt. His own people did not respect him because they were so familiar with him. Overfamiliarity breeds contempt.
According to psychologists, on average, we like people less the more we know about them. The “mere-exposure effect phenomenon” shows that just being exposed to someone causes us to like them more. This explains why many people are drawn to establishing new relationships while the previous ones grow tiresome or irritating. As you draw nearer to Jesus, the more you ought to be broken in adoration, admiration, and contemplation.
We all need discipline to curtail our excesses. The indiscipline of Jesus’ neighbors was expressed in the way they ignored him. Often times, our approach to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament mirrors traits of indiscipline, over-familiarity, and lack of faith.
Precisely because of this, David was disciplined in the first reading. He took a census of the people, as against the will of God. This attracted divine judgment. God warned him against pride and self-reliance. Let us seek God’s guidance and trust in His providence.
Lastly, the church celebrates the memorial of St. John Bosco today. He was a priest who devoted himself to the care of the young, first of all by means of evening classes, to which hundreds came, and then by setting up a boarding house for apprentices and then workshops for their training and education. Today, the Salesian missionaries continue their work all over the world. Care for the young!
Let us pray
Father, thank you for your love and care. Through your Son, Jesus Christ, give us wisdom to overcome the trials of this month. Through the Holy Spirit, sanctify our paths and light our ways. Amen!
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
