Mass Readings for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
- First Reading - Ezekiel 2:2-5: Ezekiel is commissioned by God to speak to the rebellious and disobedient Israelites, despite their obstinacy and resistance to his message. God warns Ezekiel that the people will not listen to him, but he must still deliver the message as commanded, and if he does so faithfully, he will be blameless in God's sight.
- Responsorial Psalm - Psalm 123: A psalm expressing a plea for God's mercy and deliverance from the contempt and mockery of the arrogant and proud. The author's eyes are fixed on the Lord, and they pray for God to have pity on them, acknowledging their dependence on his compassion and grace.
- Second Reading - 2 Corinthians 12:7-10: Paul's account of a thorn in his flesh, which he believes was a messenger from Satan sent to torment him. Despite asking God to remove it, God tells him that his grace is sufficient and that his power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, Paul declares that he will boast in his weaknesses, for when he is weak, then he is strong in Christ.
- Gospel - Mark 6:1-6: Jesus visits Nazareth, where he teaches in the synagogue, but the people reject him, commenting on his lack of status as a local carpenter's son. Jesus is amazed by their lack of faith, and he is only able to heal a few sick people because of their unbelief.
Themes for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
The bible readings for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B are a call to listen to God and follow Him even when those around us do not. In the first reading the prophet is sent but knows that the people might not listen. In the second reading Paul speaks of his troubles, but trusts in Christ to use his weaknesses. And in the gospel Jesus is rejected by the people in his home town.
- Persistence in discipleship
- How to handle rejection
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B.
Resources for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Unwelcome – A Lesson Plan on Rejection
This reflection helps teens understand that even Jesus was rejected. And it was by those who were close to him. What does Jesus teach us about rejection?
Homilies and Reflections for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
When We Are Weak, Christ Is Strong in Us
Jeff Cavins offers some truly inspiring words to help us have faith in the fact that God’s grace is sufficient for us.
A Thorn in the Flesh: Why We Suffer
From Bishop Robert Barron. "Saint Paul conveys a unique and powerful perspective on suffering. What he called a 'thorn in the flesh', was a suffering so great that it burdened him, prompted him to beg God for relief. But it is in this sort of suffering that we most acutely understand God’s love. When all falls away, we have him, we cling to him and we are saved. And when we bear suffering leveled by others and offer it to Christ, we absorb it, we take it out of circulation, and ease the burden for others."
You Are Called to Be a Prophet
Also from Bishop Barron of Word on Fire. "Friends, all baptized Christians are summoned to announce the Word of God. In our Gospel today, we hear the call, like Ezekiel, to share the Good News with all whom we encounter, especially those who have heard but turned away from the faith."
Son of Mary
From Scott Hahn. "As we’ve walked with the Apostles in the Gospels in recent weeks, we’ve witnessed Jesus command the wind and sea, and order a little girl to arise from the dead. But He seems to meet His match in His hometown of Nazareth. Today’s Gospel is blunt: 'He was not able to perform any mighty deed there.'" Continue reading.
Our Weakness Is What Refines the Soul
From Fr. Richard Rohr of the Center for Action and Contemplation. When we meditate on the mystery of the cross we realize that the one who seems like a complete failure is in truth our redeemer. Only people of the Spirit can realize that we have to experience powerlessness before we understand power.
More Thoughts for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Today, God appears in Jesus' hometown and the people reject him. He challenges them with a new way of thinking, and it is just too much for them.
God is indeed a person, but perhaps we are more comfortable with the idea of God than an actual encounter. When we encounter God, we know we might be pushed beyond our current way of thinking, and that is frightening.
Reflection Questions for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
- Is there a part of the message of Jesus which I cannot accept?
- Have I recognized God in an unexpected person or place recently?
- How does Jesus' experience of rejection help me when I feel left out?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B
Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me, but he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.
2 Corinthians 12:8-9
Like Jesus’s fellow villagers, we risk not recognising him. An abstract and distant god who doesn’t get himself involved in situations is more comfortable. God incarnated Himself: humble, tender, hidden, drawing near to us, living the normality of our daily life.
Pope Francis
The people of Jesus’ hometown can’t recognize him as the Messiah. They know him too well and already have assumptions about him.
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