Almost a year ago, my mom passed away. I traveled to Poland for her funeral and to be with my family and friends. I knew that as a priest I would celebrate a funeral mass for my mom and give a homily. I must admit that even though I have been a priest for almost eighteen years, I have never been so nervous as when preaching in front of all of those people that knew me since I was little. I grew up with them, we did goofy things as a kids and teenagers, they knew what silly things I have done. And now I am standing in front of them, as a priest, preaching. My experience helps me better understand and appreciate the story from the gospel reading today when Jesus went back to His native place and taught in the synagogue. But many were asking: ‘Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offense at him.” The funeral mass for my mom went very well and I was very well received. However, I understand what Jesus meant when He said that “a prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” I know that most of you can relate to this story as well -- it is always most difficult to correct, to evangelize, to preach, and to teach our own relatives and friends.
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