We think we know

Matthew 13 : 54 - 58

Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? And they took offense at him.

People often talk about going back to their hometown. I guess my hometown is Petaling Jaya because I have lived here since I was eight years old. I can hardly remember where I lived before that time. I visited the house I grew up in yesterday. It is right along Jalan Gasing near the Petaling Gardens end. I drive past it often but have never stopped by since it was sold off about fifteen years ago. I had an errand. Recently, my brother and I found out that there are still quite a number of letters probably going to our former house, addressed to my late father. I was driving past yesterday, so I decided to stop by and enquire. It is now owned by a couple (it has changed owners at least twice after we sold it) who operate a foreign manpower agency from it. As I explained my purpose, the new owner was very helpful and said that they have actually returned many letters to the postman but would let me know should our mail arrive there. She even took me for a tour of the now well renovated house. The basic structure remains but there are many additions and a beautifully tended garden. She also told me about the neighbours...the very same ones I grew up with. One house is empty since the neighbour passed away recently. The other neighbour lives alone after her husband died. As we walked in the garden, this lady saw and greeted us. I introduced myself as her former neighbour. She looked confused for a few moments before it clicked. She apologised saying that I look so different now ....so slim....well, the fact is I was much more 'plump' before.

It is so easy to have preconceived ideas about people. Physical attributes aside, how often we have made up our minds about others - what type of person he or she is. We think we know others through and through, after being with them for some time. And presumably they also think they 'know' us. This actually sets us up to have closed minds about the people around us. We forget that they are still God's beloved children and that our Father sees the good and potential that lies within them, even if buried under layers and layers of dust.

Jesus' own relatives and townspeople thought they really knew him - the carpenter's son, Mary's son, the brother of James, Joseph...etc. They referred back to the past...of course they knew the little boy and young man who had lived among them. Well, how could he have this wisdom and power? Apart from having preconceived ideas about other human beings, I believe we have also built up our own ideas about Jesus. I am glad that the gospel stories do not try to tell us everything about him. How could they ever contain the fullness of our fully divine, yet fully human Lord? The gospel writers have given us snapshots of our Lord, as they recalled their own and others' experiences of being with Jesus. As we read, may we ask for the grace of a personal encounter with Jesus. Each time we truly 'meet' him, he will lead us one small step towards understanding what the kingdom of God is all about.