February 1, 2023, Wednesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time-A

Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15

Psalm 103

Mark 6:1-6

“My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord…” Heb 12:5

“Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary”? …and they took offense at him…He was amazed at their lack of faith.  Mk. 6:3, 6

Lord, your word is truth. Today we learn the value of discipline and faith. Without discipline we can get lazy, indifferent, and sloppy in our relationships, our work, and our understanding of how much you care for each of us. You tell us that we should accept our trials as training in discipline from you.  Your aim is to strengthen us against evil and to build our faith. When you visited your hometown people, they only saw you as the humble carpenter, the son of a local woman. They missed out on your healing power because of their failure to see you as the Son of God. Their lack of faith caused them to take offense against you and to try to violently harm you. Lord, what have I missed out on because of my lack of faith?  What prayers of mine have gone unanswered due to my weak faith?  If I need discipline, Lord, I accept whatever you send my way. Help me to see that it comes from you out of love.  You only treat me with what is for my good and the salvation of my soul.  Amen.