Today is Sunday 7 July, beginning the 14th week of Ordinary Time. Ex Cathedra, directed by Jeffrey Skidmore, sing Dulce Jesus mio. “My sweet Jesus, look with mercy on my lost soul.” As I sit here, or stand here now, trying to pray, what kind of shape is my soul in? Content and at peace? Lost and wandering? On the edge? And what about the other souls around me? Are there ‘lost souls’ here beside me who also need the love of God in their lives? Yya1 Jesuchrixhto, apuk1rui ityaku niyausus1p1 ninait1 sobi. Dulce Jesús mío, mirad con piedad mi alma perdida por culpa mortal. Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 6: 1-6 He left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.’ And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. Take a moment to place yourself within the scene… Imagine you are from Jesus’ hometown. Suddenly, Jesus, whom you saw grow up, leading the simple life of a carpenter’s son, is now teaching in the synagogue. How do you respond to this? With confusion? Perhaps bewilderment? “Where did this man get all this?” It’s a fair question! Do you ever feel hesitant in your belief? What prevents you from believing in the power of Jesus? As you listen again, hear Jesus’ response to the people… How does he sound? What is his tone of voice like? As you take your leave of the synagogue, perhaps you would like to approach Jesus… what would you say or ask for? Perhaps a stronger sense of belief? Or maybe something else…speak with him now… Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.