“Is this man the son of Joseph, the carpenter?

Our Gospel is reminding us of the truth about life: “We cannot please everybody.” No matter how good a person you are, there will always be someone criticizing you. People will praise you but they will also persecute you. My dear friends, take note of this: if people do not like your music then it is surely not for them. Like Jesus, amidst all of the thumbs downs we may receive, we have to continue to share the Good News. Rejection should not be the reason for the cancellation of our mission. Spread the Good News because it will open the eyes of those who are spiritually blind. It will liberate those who are bound to sin. Friends, the Good News is our effective means to contribute to the social and political liberation of the poor, the needy, deprived, oppressed and exploited.

Folks, do not be upset when people reject you. Nice things are rejected all the time by people who can’t afford them. Rejection does not mean you are not good enough. It just means the other person failed to notice what you have to offer. Friends, we will experience more rejection than acceptance. You know what, not all of us can get an “I love you”. Not everybody will like us. As I looked back on my life, I realized that every time I was being rejected from something good, God was actually re-directing me to something better. Do not be discouraged when people say NO to you because God has many great YESes prepared for you. God does not close one door without getting ready to open another that leads to bigger and greater opportunities. Sometimes, we have to go through the worst to get to the best. When life closes the door, God opens the window. (Malachi 3:10)

Finally, let our life be like a scroll. Allow Jesus to open it and set it free. How do you know that you have been set free? You are set free when you become the source of blessings. You are set free when you bring glad tidings to the poor. You are set free when the Lord is with you.

Blessings
Fr. Jhack