How much can you really know a person? When it comes down to it, we might know their origins, maybe their parents and siblings. Apart from profession and family - that's about it.

We are more than our lineage and abilities, and yet we still seem to defer to a person's rank or status in society. Most will normally take a ticket or lecture on bad driving from a police officer. However, were a neighbour to point out our failings, rising to our lips would be the words; "who do you think you are?"

To which we could answer - "a prophet" based on today's readings. We have a peculiar power over each other, particularly in families: to build or belittle, raise up or destroy, instil confidence or cripple with disbelief. When nearest aren't dearest, we can know each other too well, and take a “dim” view rather than a bright vision of family members.

True in Nazareth, where even Jesus was paralysed by a lack of faith that refused to see beyond the carpenter to the prophet. Just as true today – when we should wonder what prophetic voices we are ignoring or silencing today - even in our own family.

"there is a prophet among them." (first reading)

(Comments to Tom at tomascox@eircom.net )