First Reading: (Kings 5:1–15).
Responsorial Psalm: (Psalm 42)
Response: My soul is thirsting for God, the living God; when shall I see him face to face?
Gospel Acclamation
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.
“I hope in the Lord, I trust in his word;
with him there is mercy and fullness of redemption.”
Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ, King of endless glory.
Gospel: (Luke 4:24–30).
Reflection
The Gospel passage today shows Jesus lamenting the lack of honor given to a prophet among his own people, his family, friends, relatives, and those who were most familiar with him. Yet strangers, those who were not part of his community, often gave the prophet greater honor.
What is the honor of a prophet?
First, the honor of a prophet is that he is respected because he is God’s messenger, God’s mouthpiece. Because he represents God, the respect given to God is also given to the prophet.
Second, the honor of a prophet comes from the people among whom he lives. They acknowledge him, they are proud of him, and they say to others: “This is our prophet.”
Third, the honor of a prophet lies in the fact that people listen to his words. Of what use is a prophet if the people do not listen?
Fourth, the honor of a prophet is seen when his people benefit from his ministry. For example, the first beneficiaries of a doctor should be his own family. That is part of the honor of the doctor, that his parents and relatives benefit from his training.
Jesus gives two examples today: Elijah and Elisha. They did not receive this honor from their own people. Instead, outsiders benefited from their ministry. The widow of Zarephath, a pagan woman from Sidon, benefited from Elijah. Naaman the Syrian, a foreigner, was healed through Elisha.
Even in the case of Jesus himself, many of his own people rejected him. Yet strangers and pagans often received him with faith.
Now we might ask, who are our prophets today? And do we give them honor?
First is Jesus Christ, the greatest of all prophets. In the past, God spoke through the prophets, but now he speaks to us through his beloved Son. We are a privileged generation. Do we listen to him? Do we give him the honor he deserves?
Second, think about our priests and pastors in our parishes. Do we listen to them?
Third, think about our parents. They are prophets too. They advise us, guide us, and sacrifice so that we may have a good future.
Also think about our teachers, good friends, and elders in the community who tell us the truth and correct us when we go astray. They are prophets in our lives.
Even our children, with the talents God has given them, can be prophets in their own ways. Do we encourage their gifts, or do we dismiss them?
Today, friends, let us reflect on the prophets God has placed in our lives. Let us not be like those who had prophets among them but failed to benefit from them.
God bless you 🙏
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