We hear about how Jesus is unable to work miracles in his hometown because of the people’s lack of faith. They know Jesus well: to them, he is the son of Mary and Joseph; he and his father are humble carpenters. They have seen Jesus growing up as a child and a youth in their own town. Who does he think he is? What does he have to teach us and preach in our synagogue?
We can be the same way in our own lives, can’t we? We can see things in a certain way. We can cling to our own perspective, to what is common and familiar. We can be closed off to the reality that is right before our eyes. I remember that when I was a missionary, I would have someone visit me, and their perspectives would bring me great insights and hope. I had to be willing to listen to what they had to say in order to learn from seeing things from their point of view, to seeing things differently. Often we want to cling to the common and the familiar, not willing to open our hearts to new perspectives.
This retreat weekend is a great opportunity for us. It can open up a lot of doors for us. It can give us a new perspective. All of us at the retreat this weekend need to open up our hearts to the experiences and conversations and prayers and talks and devotions and sacraments and the holy Word of God that we are going to be a part of this retreat. And it might not be until many weeks later when something strikes us, when the Holy Spirit enlightens us to what we have experienced and the message God has for us. I am really glad all of you are here this weekend.
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