Rejection

June 9, 2024 Tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Daily Readings: Genesis 3:9-15; 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1; Mark 3:20-35

The first reading reflects that Eve tempted Adam to eat the forbidden fruit. This opened their eyes to the reality of consciousness—that they were naked—and made them aware of their movements. They hid from God because they were afraid of how God would react if they deviated from the rules.

The second reading reminded us that we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, where everything indeed is for you so that the grace is bestowed in abundance on more.

In the Gospel reading, Jesus visits his hometown, where he faces accusations that "Beelzebul possesses him" and that "the prince of demons drives out demons."

Have you ever had an experience in which your relatives or close friends were the ones who put you down? They did not give you any support; instead, they tried to incite people to bring you down.

Jesus was rejected in his hometown. If you are Jesus, how will you handle this rejection?  The spirit of rejection makes a person feel like an outsider like they do not fit in.  Jesus emphasizes that forgiveness is available for all blasphemies people utter, but not for those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit, which could be an eternal sin.

Call to Action for Catholic Living: The Gospel serves as a reminder that we cannot go against the Holy Spirit; we need to respect the Holy Spirit at all times. Scripture describes the Holy Spirit in personal terms, not as an impersonal force when it says that He teaches, guides, comforts, and intercedes. He possesses emotions, intellect, and will.

Lord, help us to obey the movement of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Amen.