August 30, Monday Weekday

Lord, I love your commands. — Psalm 119:97

Mass Readings: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 / Luke 4:16-30

The Prophet at Home

Even those who know only a smattering of scriptural verses are familiar with one from today’s Gospel: “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.” That hits home because when we go home — when the extended family gathers — we’re not likely to get the compliments we receive from “outsiders.” (In the world: “Wow, you made those double-fudge brownies for the bake sale? They were so-o-o-o good! Could you please share the recipe with me?” At the family gathering: “So you only brought one dessert? Those brownies you always bring?”)

So as “prophets” we . . . . But wait! We’re also that hometown crowd, aren’t we? How good are we at complimenting, encouraging and thanking those other “prophets” closest to us?

Prayer: Dear Lord, let me be slow to criticize and quick to compliment.