Dear Parishioners of St. James:
Praised be Jesus Christ!
Some people who hear the Word of God want to kill the messenger. When the people of Nazareth heard their native son Jesus preach His first sermon in their synagogue, they wanted to kill Him. They were filled with fury and wanted to throw Jesus over a cliff (Lk. 4:29). Jesus would not allow the people to carry out their murderous designs because His mission had not yet been accomplished.
Are you rejected when you preach the truth? Do others try to silence the Word of God spoken by you? Do your family members try to silence you or marginalize you? Rejoice and be glad! You are in good company. Jesus Christ said that no prophet is accepted in his own native place (Lk.4:24). “He came to his own but his own people did not accept him” (Jn. 1:11). Faithfulness to the Word of God brings rejection from those closest to us. Do not be scandalized. Preach the truth in season and out of season (2 Tim. 4:2). Those who are open to the truth will hear the Lord’s voice through you.
God bless you,
Fr. Geary
Saint James Catholic Church 