Memorial of Saint Gregory the Great

And he came to Nazareth, where he was brought up: and he went into the synagogue, according to his custom, on the sabbath day; and he rose up to read. And the book of Isaias the prophet was delivered unto him. And as he unfolded the book, he found the place where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me. Wherefore he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he hath sent me to heal the contrite of heart, To preach deliverance to the captives, and sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of reward. And when he had folded the book, he restored it to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him.

And he began to say to them: This day is fulfilled this scripture in your ears. And all gave testimony to him: and they wondered at the words of grace that proceeded from his mouth, and they said: Is not this the son of Joseph? And he said to them: Doubtless you will say to me this similitude: Physician, heal thyself: as great things as we have heard done in Capharnaum, do also here in thy own country. And he said: Amen I say to you, that no prophet is accepted in his own country. In truth I say to you, there were many widows in the days of Elias in Israel, when heaven was shut up three years and six months, when there was a great famine throughout all the earth.

And to none of them was Elias sent, but to Sarepta of Sidon, to a widow woman. And there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet: and none of them was cleansed but Naaman the Syrian. And all they in the synagogue, hearing these things, were filled with anger. And they rose up and thrust him out of the city; and they brought him to the brow of the hill, whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down headlong. But he passing through the midst of them, went his way.
Luke 4:16-30 (Douay-Rheims)

Prayer

Dear Father I know how sometimes we wonder ourselves where you are in the midst of our lives. How miracles and healing are few and far in between like Jesus telling of the visits to the widows and no one else. We too can can get angry when a healing or miracle happens and we wonder why not us. But do we anticipate and yearn for your love so you would grace us with your presence. I wonder myself, do I drive you away dear Father when I don't feel your presence, have I sinned to cause such a loss. I wonder how Jesus felt when he read and gave them testimony. Was he wounded in his soul for the lack of faith they had in him, when they drove him out of the area. But it was not only that, they also drove him out of their hearts with that action. The loss must have hurt not only Jesus but you also dear Father because you are one with him. And in that case when we are united to you and do the same, we wound you as well as ourselves. But it is then we have driven you away as well. May I strive to keep the Spirit of God alive in me and not drive him away where I suffer from the lack of faith that the world can cause. May I do my part and do your will dear Father, where you will always live within my heart. Amen