Leviticus 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34-37 / Matthew 13:54-58
The human need for acceptance is critical for growth and development.
Even when we are in our mother’s womb, we could already feel our mother’s emotions towards us.
Whether in the womb or in the world, we will have to develop our self-confidence so that we can find our place in the world, as well as our standing with others.
But it can be challenging and difficult when we face criticism and rejection.
We would have to dig into our self-worth to keep going and believing in ourselves.
When Jesus came to His hometown and taught the people in the synagogue, His own people were astonished, and then came the criticism and finally rejection.
Jesus had to stand His ground and to believe who He really is and also what His mission is.
And Jesus also calls out to us who are His disciples to be prepared for criticism and rejection.
Jesus called out to St. John Vianney to be a priest, and at first, he faced criticism and rejection because of his lowly status as well as being intellectually slow.
But St. John Vianney persevered in his holiness and devotion, he became a model and patron saint of all priests.
Jesus has called us to be His disciples. He gave us dignity and self-worth so that we can witness to His love for all peoples.
May our confidence be in Jesus alone, and we will stand our ground and hold our heads up.