Mark 6:1-6 – The rejection of Jesus at Nazareth
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.
We depart from Dandora and return to our native place. The physical phase of our African journey fades behind us in the contrails of our 777 and the impact phase begins. It's not so much the final day of our trip as it is the first day of the afterwards. We have not departed Kenya unaffected in some way, neither we nor Kenya. So completely filled with boundless enthusiasm today, tomorrow we will act to sustain our oneness with the people who have been described as the poorest of the poor.
For over a week, Dandora was our synagogue. Ask yourself, though, who were the teachers, who were the pupils. What wisdom has been bestowed on us? Humility, compassion, justice, love, to name a few. What wisdom have we, in turn, bestowed on our brothers and sisters with the grace of Dandora in our hearts? Hope, and faith and love, surely.
We were received in Dandora with curiosity, enthusiasm and hope that our presence could make their world a bit better. In addition to open arms, affection and acceptance, we may be welcomed home by a few family and friends who simply cannot understand our journey. We are grateful to be able to accept this walk with God’s people. Let us gladly embrace it all - we are true, living disciples now and there’s no turning back.
God is great, indeed.
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