Prophet in his native land

Last updated on: March 25, 2016 at 8:01 pm by Father Pablo Migone

Prophet in his native land 2016-03-25T20:01:15-05:00 Father Pablo Migone

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

(Interior of Nazareth synagogue where Jesus preached to his native people)

About three weeks ago I got curious about what readings I would preach on during my first weekend at Saint Joseph. I got on my computer and pulled up the US Bishop’s website, I found the 14th Sunday of Ordinary Time, clicked on it and began to read.

I first read a passage from the prophet Ezekiel. I thought it was appropriate for me to meditate on as I arrive to preach at a new parish, even though I hope and know you are not “hard of face and obstinate of heart,” like the Israelites poor Ezekiel was sent to preach to.

Then came Saint Paul. It was one of his most beautiful passages, one that always fills you with hope, rejoicing in the mercy and power of God despite frailties and weaknesses.

Then I read the Gospel. I immediately found myself laughing out loud, “God, you’ve got some strange sense of humor.” No prophet is without honor except in his native place. And here I am, back home in Augusta after twelve years of college, seminary and one parish assignment at Warner Robins.

I might as well sit down and let the deacon preach for today, I hope you prepared a homily.
The fact is we know the word coincidence does not exist in God’s vocabulary. In His infinite Wisdom, He moves all things and lines up all things for His purpose. So rather than dismissing this as chance or a freak coincidence, or ignoring the Gospel passage all together, the question to be raised is: what is God’s message at this present moment? Why does He have me here today preaching on this Gospel?

Let’s take a look at Saint Paul’s powerful words.

Saint Paul is very clear when he writes, “When I am weak, then I am strong.”

How hopeful these words are! In our hardships, weaknesses, yes even in our sinfulness, we are called to an encounter with God. In the most difficult times, we find strength, grace, mercy and forgiveness in Him. In our weakness, we are made strong by Him alone. God restores us to grace through forgiveness, so when I am weak, then I am strong.

Saint Paul speaks of the thorn in his flesh which he asked God to remove three times. Yet Saint Paul rejoices over the thorn, since his weakness, whatever it may be, keeps him humble before God and allows God’s power to manifest itself. God utilized Saint Paul to spread the Gospel not because of his great qualities, (he was killing Christians after all when He was called), but Paul was called despite his weaknesses and downfalls. God’s ability to use a weak, sinful man makes His power, God’s power, shine even brighter.

Jesus is clear; coming home is not a strength, but rather a weakness. No prophet is without honor except in his native place. No way around it.

Like Jesus in Nazareth, those who know you well may be tempted to dismiss your words and actions. “Isn’t he the son of the carpenter? Isn’t he the son of Mary? Why do we have to listen to him?”

Not only priests, but for every faithful Christian, it can be most difficult to preach to his or her own family and friends, to those in their native place, especially when they are going down the wrong path. “That’s just Susie saying it, we don’t have to listen to her,” or perhaps, “oh, there goes dad again saying how I need to straighten up.”

Coming home as a priest to minister to the local church that raised me, the Church here in Augusta, is a great privilege and something I never imagined would happen. It is a concrete opportunity for me to give back to a community from which I have received much.

Jesus’ words are a reminder to keep always in mind the purpose for which I was ordained – to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Whether at home or in a distant country, the mission is the same – to preach the Gospel.

Being at home will present challenges, but I trust in God’s strength and power to aid me in accomplishing His intentions here. I pray that my weakness becomes a strength as I begin my time with you, here at Saint Joseph.

The Lord has now called me here. I am here to be your priest. I am here to pray for you and with you. May the Lord strengthen us all in our weaknesses, may the Lord strengthen us in our witness to the faith, especially among our family and friends, that we may become worthy vessels of the Gospel.

Uncategorized

Previous Post

July 4, 2012

4th of July Homily: Seek good and not evil

Next Post

July 10, 2012 First week at Saint Joseph

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Article Catholic Lima Christmas Commentary History Homily Immigration martyrs Meditation Pope Reflection Saint Story Uncategorized

Select a Month September 2026 August 2026 July 2026 June 2026 May 2026 April 2026 December 2025 November 2025 October 2025 September 2025 August 2025 July 2025 June 2025 May 2025 April 2025 March 2025 February 2025 January 2025 December 2024 November 2024 September 2024 August 2024 July 2024 June 2024 May 2024 April 2024 March 2024 February 2024 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 June 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 February 2022 January 2022 December 2021 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 June 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 September 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 January 2010 June 2009 September 2008 August 2008

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

Which book of the Bible contains the story of Balaam’s talking donkey?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Exodus Numbers Judges 1 Samuel