Homecomings are generally supposed to be happy events. Reunions with friends and families. A chance to walk around the old neighbourhood and remember and reflect. An opportunity to call to mind all the people and places that shaped us. When a celebrity comes home, red carpets, speeches and parades are the order of the day. Success has many friends, disgrace is an orphan.
We can only imagine the excitement surrounding Jesus' return to Nazareth. While word had surely spread to Nazareth of his work and wonders. It's sobering to see that it was in Church that Jesus was not recognised as the Messiah. It's also amazing and strangely consoling to think that the opinions of others paralysed even Jesus. Even today people in communities wield the power of life or death over initiatives and groups. Personal weaknesses and hostile forces often derail. It was no different in Jesus time. They were;
- - distracted by their focus on facts.
- - darkened by their irreverent familiarity.
- - distracted by their emphasis on fanciness.
(Comments to Tom at stmarysrcathlone@oceanfree.net )