This Gospel reading begins as Jesus and His disciples return home, to Jesus’ native place.  On the Sabbath, Jesus went to the synagogue and began to teach.  The people who listened to Jesus were astonished.  They were taken aback at the power of His teaching as well as the power of His presence. This was Jesus, a man they knew very well; He was a man who had grown up in their midst.

How had Jesus become such a knowledgeable man and powerful speaker?  He was the son of a carpenter, not the son of a rabbi.   Thus, many people in Jesus’ hometown discounted Jesus and His message and refused to listen to him.  After all, who did Jesus think He was to preach to the people who had known Him from birth?

Jesus did not get angry.  Rather, Jesus replied to their comments by saying that a prophet is not honoured by the people who have known him from birth.   Jesus realized that He was too familiar to them. They only saw in Him what they wanted to see.  Thus, Jesus was unable to perform any great deeds there since they did not have faith in Him. 

It often is easy to discount the people whom we know the best.  They are so very familiar to us that we typically take them for granted and fail to see the growth and wisdom within them.  Take a moment and think about the people in your life.  What are their gifts?  How do they share their wisdom, love, and care with you?  Do you appreciate their love and care, their gifts and talents?  Do you let them know how important they are to you? 

Today make time to give thanks for the many people who love you and care about you.  In some small way, let them know how grateful you are to have them in your life.  They are gift to you, just as you are gift to them.

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