The Jesus, who had crowds so large following him all day long, met with such skepticism in Nazareth, that he could not work many miracles there. (Mk 6: 1-6). As others have discovered, it's not easy for the "hometown boy" to be effective among the folks who know his family background and knew him growing up. Native American deacons on the Pine Ridge Reservation had the same experience and suffered hurt and frustration as the past was flung into their faces.
It's not easy for any of us to put the teachings of Jesus into practice, for there is always an opposing voice that dwells on some imperfection, real or imaagined, to distract us and divert us from our desires and efforts. We might take heart from knowing that Jesus suffered this fate and that in true imitation of him, so must we.
St. Marcellin's story of being opposed even by fellow priest who tried to disband the brothers or dismiss him as a rough "country boy" with no business sticking his nose into education, is well known. St. John Bosco, whose Memorial we observe today, did not succeed in helping "street kids" without opposition. Yet, both, with admirable faith pushed forward, with the grace and strength provided by Jesus. Can we do any less?
Bro. Rene
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