Wednesday 4 February 2026

Today is Wednesday the 4th of February, in the 4th week of Ordinary Time. Nick Chambers sings, ‘I Just Want To See’. Let this song carry you into prayer today... maybe you can make these lyrics your own words to Jesus... The worry of being a burden Eclipses this quiet belief But I’ll throw off the cloak from my shoulders when you call me up onto my feet And quiet the voices that keep me From crying out my need Son of David, have mercy on me I just want to see I just want to see Lost on the path where you find me This labyrinth under my feet I walk forward but always returning Back through some twisting of grief Still my heart is burning within me Just to hear you speak Wandering stranger, will you stay with me? I just want to see I just want to see Open my eyes Open my eyes I just want to see I just want to see Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Mark. Mark 6:1-6 [Jesus] left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.’ And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. Today we join Jesus as he returns with his disciples to his hometown. As he teaches in the synagogue, we might imagine the people who surround him and the voices and muttering in the background as they are astounded by him. Consider their questions for a moment: What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands? What would you like to tell the neighbours of Nazareth? ‘They took offence at him.’ You might recall a time when others have taken offence or scoffed at your faith, so, as you listen to the reading again, try to imagine what it was like for the Lord being rejected by the people of his hometown, friends, neighbours, religious leaders perhaps. Jesus was amazed at their unbelief. As you listen again, take a moment to reflect on any ways in which you have encountered rejection. Mark 6:1-6 [Jesus] left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, ‘Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?’ And they took offence at him. Then Jesus said to them, ‘Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.’ And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then he went about among the villages teaching. Jesus went among the villages teaching. End today’s prayer in gratitude for all who listen to the words of Jesus and choose to follow him. Perhaps include yourself as a faithful disciple, one who belongs to the Lord. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen