Monday, July 20, 2009

“Overcoming Credential Biases” - 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time

“Too much familiarity bridge contempt” - Jesus himself is not exempted of all biases and disdain by the people who really know Him because of His own credentials and family background. ‘Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary?” Jesus’ experience of rejection by his countrymen would foreshadow the events that would take place in Jerusalem at the end of His earthly ministry. Jesus would experience betrayal by one apostle and denial by another. He would be mocked by His own people who could cry out for His crucifixion. All these He would endure so that we might have life and have it to the full.
Perhaps, it is inevitable that sometimes other people would ridicule or put us down because of who we are and what we have. Always remember, WE ARE NEVER ALONE! Jesus stands with us in our times of trial, giving us the grace to endure patiently with our sufferings. For him, human weakness is not so much a negative connotation but rather an avenue for God’s power to work in our lives; for whenever we are weak, then we are strong.
The gospel also reminds us to respect each individual with dignity regardless of his/her own credential.

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