How often do we wish that people agree with us. Specially when it comes to sharing the Good News of the Lord Jesus, we pray and long to have others respond positively. However, the result may be below our expectations. This can lead to discouragement and to doubt if it was the Lord’s voice we heard in the first place. Too many voices begin to speak to our hearts.

Today’s readings show us that this has been the experience of not only the prophets, but also of the Lord himself. God seems quite aware of the stubbornness of his people, but he wanted his messenger to speak the undiluted truth fearlessly. We have a Father in heaven who wants everyone to hear the good news of his love. The Gospels speak only of few instances when the Lord Jesus was ‘amazed’, in relation to faith, the currency of heaven. Today’s Gospel reading shows how his own townsfolk were amazed at his teachings but took offence at him when they chose to see him through the lens of their worldly standards.

This was in contrast to the radical faith of the centurion who came to ask the Lord to heal his servant. The centurion was satisfied with one word from the Lord. At Holy Mass, the centurion’s words are repeated: “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof; but only say the word and my soul will be healed”. Jesus was amazed at his faith: in which way will our faith amaze the Lord?

As the Word of God is a double-edged sword, it not only exposes others’ hearts but also cuts through the layers of our own hearts and minds. I am deeply challenged about my tendency to judge and categorize people as decent and not well mannered. Jesus had to do a lot of work in my life, teaching me to guard my heart against all offence, and to love and honour others.

St Paul’s struggle against the thorn in his flesh is a great lesson for us who desire to be faithful disciples of the Lord. We have a Master who does not count our weaknesses and failures but our desire to be good. If our hearts are filled with love, both for the Lord and for others, and our ministry is based on love and compassion, the Lord’s grace is enough for us, his power will be made perfect in our weakness.

Hence there is no need for us to cover and hide our failures; we can be ourselves. Our weaknesses will only bring more glory to him who places his treasure in jars of clay.

PRAYER: Abba Father, may we remember that your grace is enough. Amen.