4th Sunday After Epiphany
Luke 4:21-30 (NRSV)
The prophet Jesus not accepted
Then he began to say to them, "Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his mouth. They said, "Is not this Joseph's son?" He said to them, "Doubtless you will quote to me this proverb, 'Doctor, cure yourself!' And you will say, 'Do here also in your hometown the things that we have heard you did at Capernaum.'" And he said, "Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in the prophet's hometown. But the truth is, there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, and there was a severe famine over all the land; yet Elijah was sent to none of them except to a widow at Zarephath in Sidon. There were also many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian." When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and went on his way.
Reflection
Robert asked Ted, "So, what can you do for me?" Ted wasn't sure where Robert was coming from. Robert and Ted worked together twenty-three years ago. They worked side by side for about a year and a half. This was the first time that Ted had seen Robert since then.
Robert decided years ago to stay put in his job. It was the right decision to make for Robert. Robert had a young wife and a couple of young children to raise. Robert had lived a great life these past twenty some years. Ted had an opportunity to move along to another job that was more challenge and more pay. Ted decided to take the chance and moved. The new job included more pay. Ted had a wife at the time that was ready to move. Ted's wife wanted and liked to travel. Ted's career move was just the ticket for travel. Ted ended up moving eight times over those twenty years or so. Both Ted and his wife were happy.
But it bothered Ted that the first question after lunch with Robert was, "So, what can you do for me?" They had just gone over their lives for the past twenty years and both were happy with the decisions they had made that time long ago. The biggest difference being that now Ted was accepting a job as CEO of a local company in town. Ted had influence and money. Robert had happiness and family.
As they departed from lunch, Robert was angry with Ted. Ted didn't offer Robert an answer to the question. Ted had freely offered to help so many people over the years but never expected Robert to value their friendship and past acquaintance as a means to get ahead or to make more money. Robert left mad at Ted and Ted left disappointed.
Prayer
Jesus, you reach way beyond your roots to those you created. You created all life and your love extends to all people, past, present and future. Your love goes to all types of people. Help me to accept this and love you as you accept me. Jesus, when you are disappointed in me, guide and direct me onto the path you would have me take. And when I'm mad at you, open my eyes to your infinite love... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen
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