Understanding God’s Call and Rejection
Today’s readings offer a profound exploration of God’s call, the challenge of faith, and the human response to divine intervention. From the commissioning of Ezekiel as a prophet to the heartfelt plea for mercy in Psalm 123, from Paul’s personal struggles in 2 Corinthians to Jesus’ rejection in his hometown as narrated in Mark, these passages collectively highlight the complexities of embracing God’s mission and enduring faith in the face of adversity.
The first reading, Ezekiel 2:2-5, captures the prophet’s divine commissioning amidst a rebellious people. Psalm 123 is a heartfelt cry for God’s mercy, reflecting the deep reliance on divine compassion. In 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, Paul shares his struggle with a “thorn in the flesh” and the sufficiency of God’s grace. Finally, Mark 6:1-6 recounts Jesus’ rejection in Nazareth, emphasizing the difficulty of acceptance in familiar surroundings.
These readings invite us to reflect on our openness to God’s call, our perseverance in faith, and our response to divine grace, even when faced with rejection and hardship.
First Reading – Ezekiel 2: 2-5
Embracing the Call: Understanding Ezekiel’s Mission
The Book of Ezekiel is one of the major prophetic books in the Old Testament, attributed to Ezekiel, a priest and prophet during the Babylonian exile. This period, around 597-573 BCE, was marked by profound suffering and a crisis of faith for the Israelites, as they were taken captive and Jerusalem, along with its Temple, was destroyed. Ezekiel’s prophecies are known for their vivid imagery and powerful messages of judgment and hope.
Today’s reading, Ezekiel 2:2-5, captures the moment Ezekiel is commissioned by God. This passage is pivotal, setting the stage for Ezekiel’s prophetic ministry and highlighting the challenges he would face in delivering God’s message to a rebellious people.
Ezekiel 2:2-5 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
2 And when he spoke to me, a spirit entered into me and set me on my feet; and I heard him speaking to me. 3 He said to me, Mortal, I am sending you to the people of Israel, to a nation of rebels who have rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have transgressed against me to this very day. 4 The descendants are impudent and stubborn. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, “Thus says the Lord God.” 5 Whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house), they shall know that there has been a prophet among them.
Exegesis of Ezekiel 2: 2-5
Verse 2: “And when he spoke to me, a spirit entered into me and set me on my feet; and I heard him speaking to me.”
This verse marks the divine encounter where God’s spirit enters Ezekiel, empowering him for his mission. The act of being set on his feet symbolizes readiness and empowerment. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, the Holy Spirit is the principal agent of the Church’s mission (CCC 852). This divine empowerment is crucial, as it signifies that Ezekiel’s message and mission are grounded in divine authority and strength, not merely human effort.
Verse 3: “He said to me, Mortal, I am sending you to the people of Israel, to a nation of rebels who have rebelled against me; they and their ancestors have transgressed against me to this very day.”
God addresses Ezekiel as “Mortal,” emphasizing his human frailty and the seriousness of his mission. The term “nation of rebels” underscores the continuous and persistent disobedience of the Israelites. This context of rebellion and transgression is crucial for understanding the gravity of Ezekiel’s task. The Church Fathers, including St. Jerome, viewed Ezekiel’s role as crucial in calling the people back to faithfulness, despite their stubbornness (Jerome’s Commentary on Ezekiel).
Verse 4: “The descendants are impudent and stubborn. I am sending you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘Thus says the Lord God.’”
Here, God acknowledges the stubbornness of the Israelites but still commissions Ezekiel to deliver His message. The phrase “Thus says the Lord God” is a declaration of divine authority. This echoes the teachings of St. Augustine, who often spoke about the hardness of heart that leads to spiritual blindness and the necessity of prophetic voices to call for repentance (City of God, Book 18). Ezekiel’s mission is not just to speak but to convey God’s words directly.
Verse 5: “Whether they hear or refuse to hear (for they are a rebellious house), they shall know that there has been a prophet among them.”
This verse highlights the inevitability of the prophetic witness. Whether the people listen or not, the presence of a prophet is a testament to God’s ongoing engagement with His people. This reflects the idea found in the Ignatian Bible, which emphasizes God’s persistent invitation to conversion and deeper relationship, even in the face of human resistance (The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, Annotation 1).
Reflection
Ezekiel’s commissioning speaks to the heart of prophetic ministry: to deliver God’s message faithfully, regardless of the audience’s reception. This passage challenges us to consider our own openness to God’s word and our willingness to act as His messengers in a world often resistant to divine truth. The resilience and courage shown by Ezekiel can inspire us to persevere in our faith journey, trusting in the Holy Spirit’s guidance and strength.
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 123: 1-4
A Cry for Mercy
Psalm 123 is one of the fifteen Songs of Ascents, which were sung by pilgrims as they made their way to Jerusalem for the great Jewish festivals. This particular psalm is a prayer of supplication, expressing deep dependence on God and seeking His mercy amid contempt and scorn from the proud. It encapsulates the human experience of looking to God for relief and compassion in times of distress.
Psalm 123: 1-4 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
Supplication for Mercy
A Song of Ascents.
1 To you I lift up my eyes,
O you who are enthroned in the heavens!
2 As the eyes of servants
look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a maid
to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the Lord our God,
until he has mercy upon us.3 Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us,
for we have had more than enough of contempt.
4 Our soul has had more than its fill
of the scorn of those who are at ease,
of the contempt of the proud.
Exegesis of Psalm 123: 1-4
Verse 1: “To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens!”
This verse sets the tone for the entire psalm, indicating a posture of looking upwards to God, who is sovereign and enthroned in the heavens. The act of lifting up one’s eyes is symbolic of seeking divine intervention and acknowledging God’s supreme authority. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, this act of looking up to God is a fundamental expression of faith and trust in His providence (CCC 2096).
Verse 2: “As the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God, until he has mercy upon us.”
Here, the psalmist uses the analogy of servants and maids looking to their masters and mistresses to illustrate the relationship between the faithful and God. This analogy emphasizes humility, dependence, and trust. Just as servants look to their masters for provision and direction, believers look to God for mercy and guidance. St. Augustine, in his commentary on the Psalms, emphasizes this verse as a depiction of the soul’s utter dependence on God and the humility required in prayer (Expositions on the Psalms).
Verse 3: “Have mercy upon us, O Lord, have mercy upon us, for we have had more than enough of contempt.”
The repetition of “Have mercy upon us” underscores the urgency and desperation in the psalmist’s plea. The phrase “more than enough of contempt” indicates a situation of prolonged suffering and humiliation. This cry for mercy is a recognition of human frailty and a plea for God’s intervention. The Church Fathers, including St. John Chrysostom, often highlighted such psalms to teach about the importance of perseverance in prayer and trusting in God’s timing (Homilies on the Psalms).
Verse 4: “Our soul has had more than its fill of the scorn of those who are at ease, of the contempt of the proud.”
This verse further elaborates on the nature of the suffering endured by the psalmist and the community. The “scorn of those who are at ease” and “contempt of the proud” reflect social and spiritual opposition from those who are complacent and arrogant. It is a powerful reminder of the struggles faced by the faithful in a world often dismissive of their devotion. This theme resonates with the teachings of the Ignatian Bible, which emphasizes seeking God’s grace and strength amidst trials and opposition (The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, Annotation 84).
Reflection
Psalm 123 invites us to reflect on our own reliance on God, especially during times of hardship and opposition. It calls us to adopt a posture of humility and dependence, recognizing that true mercy and relief come from God alone. This psalm also challenges us to remain steadfast in our faith, even when faced with contempt and scorn from the world.
Second Reading – 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10
Strength in Wisdom
The Second Epistle to the Corinthians, written by the Apostle Paul, addresses various challenges and issues within the early Christian community in Corinth. This particular passage, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, provides deep insights into Paul’s personal struggles and the profound theological understanding of suffering and divine grace. Paul discusses a mysterious “thorn in the flesh,” which serves as a means to keep him humble and reliant on God’s strength.
2 Corinthians 12: 7-10 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
7 even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated. 8 Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me, 9 but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.
Exegesis of 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10
Verse 7: “Even considering the exceptional character of the revelations. Therefore, to keep me from being too elated, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me, to keep me from being too elated.”
Paul begins by referencing the extraordinary revelations he received, which could have led to pride. To prevent this, he mentions a “thorn in the flesh,” a metaphorical expression indicating a persistent and painful problem. The “messenger of Satan” suggests that this affliction was a tool used to keep him grounded and dependent on God. St. Augustine, in his writings, viewed this thorn as a reminder of human frailty and the need for God’s grace (Confessions, Book X).
Verse 8: “Three times I appealed to the Lord about this, that it would leave me,”
Paul’s repeated prayers for relief highlight the depth of his suffering and his earnest desire for deliverance. This persistence in prayer is a reflection of faith, even when the answer is not what he hoped for. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that prayer is an act of faith, where we trust in God’s wisdom and timing (CCC 2737).
Verse 9: “but he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ So, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.”
God’s response to Paul is profound: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” This indicates that God’s grace is enough to sustain Paul, and that divine power is most fully revealed when human strength is lacking. This concept is echoed by St. Thomas Aquinas, who taught that God’s power is most evident when it uplifts human weakness (Summa Theologica, II-II, Q. 24, Art. 3). Paul’s decision to “boast” in his weaknesses signifies a radical acceptance and recognition that true strength comes from Christ.
Verse 10: “Therefore I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities for the sake of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.”
Paul concludes by expressing contentment in his sufferings, understanding them as opportunities for Christ’s power to manifest. This paradoxical statement, “when I am weak, then I am strong,” encapsulates the Christian belief in redemptive suffering and reliance on God’s strength. This aligns with Ignatian spirituality, which emphasizes finding God in all circumstances and trusting in His presence and power even in moments of vulnerability (The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, Annotation 23).
Reflection
Paul’s words challenge us to rethink our understanding of strength and weakness. In a world that often values self-sufficiency and outward success, this passage invites us to embrace our vulnerabilities and trust in God’s grace. It reminds us that our true power lies in our dependence on Christ, who works through our weaknesses to reveal His glory.
This passage also encourages us to persist in prayer and to find peace in God’s sufficient grace, even when our struggles remain unresolved. It is a call to embrace humility, recognizing that our limitations are not hindrances but opportunities for divine strength to shine through.
Holy Gospel – Mark 6: 1-6
Facing Rejection
The Gospel of Mark is the shortest and likely the earliest of the four Gospels, providing a fast-paced and vivid account of Jesus’ ministry. Mark 6:1-6 narrates the rejection of Jesus in his hometown of Nazareth, a poignant moment that reveals both the humanity and divinity of Christ. This passage highlights themes of familiarity, faith, and the obstacles that prevent people from recognizing divine truth.
Mark 6: 1-6 – New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
The Rejection of Jesus at Nazareth
6 He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. 2 On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” 5 And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief.
The Mission of the Twelve
Then he went about among the villages teaching.
Exegesis of Mark 6: 1-6
Verse 1: “He left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him.”
Jesus returns to Nazareth, the place where he grew up, accompanied by his disciples. The familiarity of his surroundings sets the stage for a stark contrast between the reception he receives here and elsewhere. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that Jesus’ hidden life at Nazareth was a time of humility and obedience, forming a part of his salvific mission (CCC 531).
Verse 2: “On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands!’”
Jesus’ teachings and miracles astonish the people, leading them to question the source of his wisdom and power. This reaction reflects a mixture of awe and skepticism. The Ignatian Bible encourages readers to imagine the scene vividly, placing themselves among the listeners and experiencing their astonishment and confusion (The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, Annotation 47).
Verse 3: “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offense at him.”
The townspeople’s familiarity with Jesus’ background becomes a stumbling block. They know him as the carpenter and the son of Mary, making it difficult for them to accept his divine authority. St. Thomas Aquinas, in his Catena Aurea, notes that their knowledge of Jesus’ human origins blinds them to his divine mission, leading to their offense and rejection.
Verse 4: “Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.’”
Jesus responds with a proverb that underscores the paradox of a prophet being honored everywhere except in his own hometown. This statement highlights the human tendency to undervalue the familiar and to resist the extraordinary within the ordinary. St. John Chrysostom comments on this passage, explaining that the rejection of Jesus by his own people foreshadows the broader rejection he would face, culminating in his crucifixion (Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew, Homily 47).
Verse 5: “And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them.”
Despite his limited reception, Jesus still performs some healings, demonstrating that his compassion and power are not entirely withheld, even in the face of disbelief. The Catechism emphasizes that faith is a necessary condition for miracles, as it opens the heart to God’s grace (CCC 548).
Verse 6: “And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching.”
Jesus’ amazement at their unbelief reveals his genuine human emotions. Yet, he does not let this rejection deter his mission. He continues teaching in the surrounding villages, illustrating perseverance in the face of opposition. This perseverance is a key aspect of Ignatian spirituality, which calls for resilience and trust in God’s plan, even when faced with setbacks (The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, Annotation 95).
Reflection
This passage from Mark challenges us to consider how familiarity and preconceived notions can hinder our ability to recognize the divine in our midst. It calls us to cultivate an open heart and a readiness to see God’s work in unexpected places and people. Jesus’ response to rejection teaches us about resilience and the importance of continuing our mission, regardless of opposition.
Faith Through Trials: A Call to Embrace God’s Mission
Today’s readings present a unified message of resilience, faith, and divine grace. Ezekiel’s commissioning as a prophet to a rebellious nation (Ezekiel 2:2-5) underscores the call to deliver God’s message despite resistance. Psalm 123 echoes this with a plea for mercy amid contempt, highlighting our deep dependence on divine compassion. Paul’s struggle with his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) teaches us about the sufficiency of God’s grace, emphasizing that true strength is found in our weaknesses. Finally, Jesus’ rejection in Nazareth (Mark 6:1-6) reminds us of the challenge of faith within familiar surroundings and the perseverance needed to fulfill God’s mission.
These passages collectively call us to deepen our faith and trust in God’s plan, even when faced with rejection and hardship. They remind us that our struggles can be transformed by God’s grace and that we are called to be His messengers, sharing His love and truth in a world often resistant to divine wisdom.
Call to Action
Reflect on how you can embrace God’s call in your life, even in the face of adversity. Seek His grace to transform your weaknesses into strengths, and persevere in your mission with humility and faith. Let these readings inspire you to deepen your relationship with God and support one another in your faith journeys, doing everything with the love that our Lord Jesus exemplified.
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- How do you deal with rejection and skepticism in your faith journey?
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References:
- Catechism of the Catholic Church
- St. Jerome, Commentary on Ezekiel
- St. Augustine, City of God
- The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius
- St. Augustine, Expositions on the Psalms
- St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Psalms
- St. Augustine, Confessions
- St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologica
- St. John Chrysostom, Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew
- St. Thomas Aquinas, Catena Aurea
Holy Manna! 
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