+(Intro) St Paul reminds us this morning that our faith is not to rest on human wisdom but on the power of God. Let us be mindful then, of where we may fail to allow our faith to rest on the power of God.
(After the gospel) We just heard of how his own people in the synagogue of Nazareth were amazed at the gracious words that came from the mouth of Jesus. But then he reminded them that a prophet is not accepted in his own native place, giving instances from the days of Elijah and Elisha.
His own people were infuriated and wanted to kill him, but he passed through their midst and went away. That old phrase comes to mind, how it is that familiarity breeds contempt. We are all in danger of failing to acknowledge the presence of Christ and the gifts of those around us.
So let us pray to the Lord to ground our faith in the power of God to know how wonderfully near he is in the lives of those with whom we live.
1 Cor 2:1-5; Luke 4:16-30