Amazing Lack

Mark 6:1-6:

Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples. When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith.

Blog:

As we continue our Faith Journeys in this world, it’s often surprising to see how people either can’t see the Truth and when people refuse to see the Truth.  Ironically enough, both scenarios are choices, and, as with all choices, there are consequences to what we choose.  In Philippians 4:8, St. Paul is quick to remind us that God calls us to focus on the Good Things in all areas of life – from what we see, watch, and read to what we hear to what we eat and drink, etc.  But, just like St. Paul and Jesus, we are constantly amazed when we find folks who have a genuine lack of Faith.  Our lack of Faith upsets God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and all of the Angels and Saints.  It’s hard to watch someone struggle in life, but it’s especially hard to watch someone struggle who doesn’t have Faith.  Friends of ours’ just lost one of their Sons in a motorcycle accident.  While they are dealing with the loss of their Son, they are Resting in the Lord and Trusting in Him and His Plan for their lives.  I honestly don’t know who they’d persevere through this challenge if they didn’t have Faith.  So, while just like Jesus we can’t “make” people have Faith, we can continue to love them, Pray for them, share the Gospel with them, and be Godly examples to them – all to the best of our earthly abilities.  While our lives might not be Perfect like Jesus’ Faith, our Amazing Grace can certainly impact their Amazing Lack – just ask the Apostles, St. Paul, C.S. Lewis, and the whole host of others who have traveled Miraculously from “lack” to “Grace”.