14th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Ezekiel 2:2–5, Psalm 123, 2 Corinthians 12:7–10, Mark 6:1–6

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

This weekend’s Gospel brings us into the very human experience of rejection—a feeling we all know too well. Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth, only to be met not with faith, but with skepticism: “Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary?” The people couldn’t get past what they thought they knew. Because of their lack of faith, Mark tells us, “He was not able to perform any mighty deed there.”

What a striking reminder: even Jesus encountered closed hearts. Even Jesus wasn’t always “successful” in the way we might measure it. But He remained faithful to His mission.

This connects beautifully with the words of Saint Paul in today’s second reading. Paul speaks of his “thorn in the flesh”—something painful and persistent. And yet, God’s response to his prayer is not removal, but reassurance: “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.”

It’s a lesson we all need: God's grace often meets us not in our triumphs, but in our trials. Not when we feel strong, but precisely when we feel small, uncertain, or overlooked.

As we enter the first full week of July, with celebrations of freedom and independence still fresh in the air, we are reminded of a deeper freedom—the freedom that comes from living in the truth of God’s love, no matter how others respond. Our identity is not defined by the opinions of others, but by the One who created and calls us.

So I invite you to reflect:

• When have I felt discouraged by others' lack of understanding or support?

• Where might God be asking me to stay faithful, even in the face of rejection or difficulty?

• How can I lean into grace when I feel weak or uncertain?

Weekly Reflection Questions

1. What is one “thorn” in your life that you wish God would take away—but that may actually be drawing you closer to Him?

2. Have you ever dismissed someone because of their background or past—like the people of Nazareth did with Jesus?

3. What does “God’s power made perfect in weakness” mean in your own journey?

Prayer for This Week
Lord Jesus, You faced rejection and misunderstanding—even from Your own people. Help me to remain faithful when I feel unseen or unsupported. Teach me to trust that Your grace is truly enough, and that You are working even through my weakness. Amen.

Let’s continue to be a parish that uplifts, not tears down; that encourages, rather than criticizes. Let us be the kind of community where Christ can work mighty deeds, because our hearts are open and full of faith.

In His peace,
Fr. Matt