Ordinary Time 
Pause
On the Discovery Channel show Dirty Jobs, host Mike Rowe took on some of the most challenging jobs that vary from absolutely disgusting to humanly impossible. While we watch, we wonder, how can a person do that task day after day? We acknowledge that someone has to do it – please, just not me!
This may be the very response God hears when a mere mortal gets the call to be a prophet. Yes – someone needs to go forth and proclaim What the Lord says … God’s call is clear, commanding, and convincing. It’s a Dirty Job with little to no reward – sometimes resulting in death. Episode “The Prophet’s Call” can be seen this week on d365.org.
Listen
Jesus left that place and came to his hometown. His disciples followed him. On the Sabbath, he began to teach in the synagogue. Many who heard him were surprised. “Where did this man get all this? What’s this wisdom he’s been given? What about the powerful acts accomplished through him? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t he Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” They were repulsed by him and fell into sin.
Mark 6:1-3
Think
Years ago I attended a swanky conference with my husband. As the men golfed, the women had tea. I met a lady also from my town. At first we got along great, talking about our children and our churches. Then she asked what company my husband owned, and I said he was not an owner but an employee. She responded, “Oh, I see.” She immediately turned around and left me standing alone. It did not take me long to get angry as I searched for the best way to get back at her until I remembered that being there was not about me.
To the people of Nazareth, Jesus was not some great prophet, but a carpenter’s son, a local boy grown up in their midst. They insulted Jesus. And Jesus made the decision to walk away. How hard that must have been! Next time you risk sharing your faith with a friend or family member, know that it may not be easy – you may be judged, looked down upon, or rejected – but risk it anyway.
Natalie Nicholas Adams
Pray
Loving God, help me not to tune you out of my life today. Just as you listen and love, help me to do the same with others around me. In the power and compassion of the Christ, amen.
Go
We are people of habits and routines. Our comfort zones include safe places, kind people, good food, and ready-made excuses. And in our comfort zones we often find our rhythms of grace.
But … what if today God is calling you to a new place, a new face, or a never tried skill?! There may never be a thank you or any applause, but God will supply all you need to do what is being asked of you.
As you go, remember that God does not call the prepared – God prepares the called.
