Gospel Summary
Our hearts go out to Jesus in this gospel because we feel his pain when his own family and friends reject him. The news of Jesus' miracles and healings had by now spread throughout the region and when he returned to Nazareth to teach in the synagogue, the people there were unbelieving. How, they wondered, could someone as common as a laborer have such authority from God? Sadly, Jesus could not do the wondrous work of God in his own home town. There are not further times recorded in the gospels that Jesus entered another synagogue after the rejection he experienced in Nazareth.

Reflection for Families
How many times do we shy away from saying what we know to be the truth? We may see a co-worker, a relative, or friend making some poor decisions. Or we may witness injustices in our society. It's easier to turn our heads in the other direction and not get involved. After all, our lives are going fairly well and someone else's mistakes or misfortunes don't really affect us. But don't they? We are answerable first to God, but we also need to keep in mind that our children are watching (and will eventually imitate) our every move. As difficult as it is, it is our responsibility to show them how to be strong and courageous even when our words and actions might be unpopular.

Bringing the Gospel into Your Family
Name some people in your own community, or elsewhere in the world, who have at least some of the qualities of a prophet. Consider whether or not these people have been rejected for things they have said. Who has benefited from their words? Find a way as a family to support, either physically or in prayer, at least one of the world's prophets.

Discussion Starters
1. A time I remember having something to contribute but was rejected happened whenÉI felt...
2. What I can learn from knowing Jesus was rejected, too, is...
3. Once I acted in the way of a prophet when I...

Connecting to Faith First Legacy Edition
At Home Family Guide, theme 24
Grade 1, chapter 18
Grade 2, chapter 6
Grade 3, chapter 4
Grade 4, chapter 23
Grade 5, chapter 9
Grade 6, chapter 3

Connecting to Faith First
At Home Family Guide, theme 24
Grade 1, chapter 18
Grade 2, chapter 6
Grade 3, chapter 4
Grade 4, chapter 23
Grade 5, chapter 9
Grade 6, chapter 3