Prejudice
I think it is difficult for us to understand prejudice. Today we hear terms such as bigotry, intolerance, discrimination, and bias. For most of you reading this we are being deluged with all kinds of TV media and other forms of media telling us that we are prejudiced or that some of us are bigots. I did not think of myself as ever being prejudiced or as a bigot. What happened?
We grew up in a small town where everyone knew everyone. We were predominantly white, attended good schools, and worked hard. It was known as the American Way. Now as we look back, we are discovering that some of the things we grew up with are not so good. Occasionally, you will find a news article talking about commercials of the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. You will see blatant racism, sexism, and other forms of intolerance rampant. All this we grew up with and did not even think twice about it. Now when I see these things of the past I cringe inside. Those values are still a part of me that now I must think about before making a statement or even think of making a judgment. It is a learning experience that is painful.
This is what is happening in our gospel today. The people are unwilling to listen to Jesus because of their home-grown prejudice. Is he not the son of a carpenter? Where did he get all this? They are unwilling to accept Jesus as the Son of God. What about you? What is holding you back from accepting Jesus as the Son of God? Pray that the Lord open your eyes to any form of prejudice or intolerance still lurking in your heart.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen