James Tissot (1836-1902)
Il ne fit pas des miracles mais il guérit
Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, 1886-1896
Brooklyn Museum of Art
When my friend Tina died, people shared so many wonderful memories of her. I was privileged to know about her spiritual insights and longings, her passion for social justice, her loyalty, her good work ethic, her sense of humor, and a few of her daily struggles. Other people knew her in different ways that opened my eyes to see a more complete picture of the beauty of Tina’s humanity. It was humbling for me to acknowledge how limited my viewpoint of Tina was. I realized that we can never know the whole of anyone.
The people in Jesus’ hometown had a limited idea of him. They were so sure that their viewpoint was the “right” one that they were judgmental and skeptical of his gifts. They couldn’t let him be Who he really was in their presence.
Today I am going to remember that I can never know the whole of another—their struggles, their pain, their hopes, their grief, their wounds, their talents, their interests. I am going to practice letting go of judging myself and others. I am going to keep in mind that we all want to be loved and accepted just as we are. And I am going to let God be God.
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.” Mark 6:4
Mary Ann McSweeny 
“They couldn’t let Him be who He really was in their presence.” The whole of this post is wonderful, but that thought there is one to take to the heart.
It made me think about how many, “I do not let them be who they really are in my presence.” It also made me realize I do the same with Christ, even though the name of my blog is “Living the Reality of Jesus.”
If we do not “live the reality of who Jesus was and who He said He was/is,” then we are limiting our “faith” like those in today’s readings. When we do that, how we tie our Lord’s hands.
I am so sorry about your friend, but I know she was so blessed to have you in her life! I wish sometimes you lived next door to me. Well I wish it all the time! How I could set on the front porch with you and watch the sun go down in these hot summer afternoons in Texas. Somehow I think the reflection of “two hermits” 🙂 would be amazing. Loved the post! God Bless, SR
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Such a thoughtful reading, SR! I like how you have expanded the bare bones and reflected on how we are apt to “tie our Lord’s hands” by our unbelief.
A front porch and a cup of tea… what could be nicer for a hermit?
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Anytime you are headed down south, you have my email let me know. Nothing Mary, nothing else could be nicer for a “hermit!” 🙂 God Bless, SR
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Thank you. You are a generous soul.
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So very well said! Thank you, friend. “We never know…” has become a phrase of reminder to myself to open my mind and heart. God knows! 🙂
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Thank you for reading. “Not knowing” is not a bad state to experience.
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