The Carpenter’s Son 

   “Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue.  They were astonished and said, ‘Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds?  Is he not the carpenter’s son?” (Matt 13: 54 -55) 

   The people of His hometown, while amazed at His teaching, could not get beyond the fact that they knew Him and His family.  He had grown up there and they couldn’t accept Him as the Messiah.  “And they took offense at him.” (Matt 13: 57).  People who have done great things, not only spiritually but in business or other ventures are often rejected by those who knew them “before”.

   I wonder if the people of El Paso, Illinois, where Bishop Sheen was born and raised, marveled that one of their own could achieve all that he did.  After, wasn’t he just the first of four sons born to Newton and Delia Sheen?  How did he get to be so great?  Did they take offense at Him?

   Billy Graham was born in a farmhouse near Charlotte, North Carolina, the oldest of four children born of Franklin and Morrow Graham.  Did childhood neighbors and friends recognized him as the great defender of the faith, or did they question how he could have risen to such spiritual heights?  Were they offended at his success?

   Many people are filled with jealousy and greed.  People get offended at those who rise above the average.  Perhaps because they feel it should have been them or maybe just out of envy.  They ignore the fact that God chooses who He wills regardless their background.

   God isn’t interested in where we started, He knows where He wants us to go.  He makes saints of sinners, and it is His will that we all become sanctified and holy. 

Lord You choose who you will.

You make saints of common folk.

Sanctify me I pray Lord.

Make me Holy. 

Amen