Setting Expectations

 Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

30 January 2022

 

First Reading: JER 1:4-5, 17-19

Responsorial Psalm: PS 71:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 15-17

Second Reading: 1 COR 12:31--13:13 or 1 COR 13:4-13

Gospel: LK 4:21-30

 

Reflection

By: Pietro S. Albano

 

I was serving at the Manila Cathedral many years ago when I bumped into a fellow parishioner. She was delighted to know that I was serving at the Mother Church of the Archdiocese and of the whole country. She then encouraged me to keep up the good work so that our parish would be malakas (influential) in the Archdiocese. After our conversation, I felt bad. While appreciating her words of encouragement, her expectation does not make sense.

In today's Gospel, we read how Jesus' town mates were praising Him for His preaching. However, Jesus knew their ulterior motives. He knew that they were expecting Him to perform miracles. He knew that by making signs and wonders in His own remote town, Nazareth would become a popular place. Therefore, the Lord rejected their wishes: "No prophet is ever accepted in his own country." Indeed, as the Gospel would tell us, the people intended to throw Him down the cliff. We too can behave like Our Lord's town mates. We pray, we attend this and that church activity, etc. However, when our prayers are not answered or something goes wrong, we lie low. Why do we follow Jesus? Is it because of His teachings? If so, do we accept His teachings 100% or do we cherry-pick those teachings that suit us? Setting expectations on Jesus according to our own terms and conditions won't work. Remember the rich man who wanted to follow the Lord, but could not part ways with his wealth? Following Jesus is like a sheep placing all its trust to the shepherd. Let us take courage in what God told the prophet in today's First Reading: "They will fight against you but shall not overcome you, for I am with you." (Jeremiah 1:19). We follow Jesus because of Jesus.

Prayer

Lord, Jesus, thank You for Your Word today. Cleanse us of every imperfection; strengthen us in our desire for Your Word that we may follow You because of You. Amen.