Jesus is talking to those nearest Him, and as Christians we qualify to be among them, yet we do not hear, really hear and embrace what He says.  Jonah changed Nineveh with his words, which is what Jesus is referring to (it is only later that believers would see this as a reference to the Resurrection as well). Does the "greater than Jonah" touch my heart and change it?

Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

2 Samuel 24:2, 9-17

Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 6, 7

M ark 6:1-6 He went away from there and came to his own country; and his disciples followed him. (2) And on the Sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue; and many who heard him were astonished, saying, "Where did this man get all this? What is the wisdom given to him? What mighty works are wrought by his hands! (3) 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 offense at him. (4) And Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house." (5) And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands upon a few sick people and healed them. (6) And he marveled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.

Meditation by Chas Kestermeier, S.J.

W e've all made mistakes. We've all made wrong choices; but as believers in Jesus, that doesn't change our heritage. God doesn't kick us out of the kingdom because we're not perfect. Maybe you don't feel like you deserve God's goodness, or you think you're supposed to suffer through life and just endure that problem. But friends, this is what mercy is all about. His mercy will renew and restore you if you receive it by faith today.

No matter what you may have done wrong, you are still the apple of God's eye. You are still His most prized possession. You can still activate God's promises by faith today. Why don't you shake off the guilt and condemnation? Put your shoulders back and say, "I refuse to live below my privileges. I may not be perfect, but I am forgiven. I may have made mistakes, but God knows my heart is to please Him, and I am changing my ways. Even though I may have brought this trouble on myself, I'm going to stay in faith and expect God to turn it around."

" Gracious heavenly Father, thank You for Your mercy. Thank You for receiving me, loving me, cleansing me, and changing me. I dedicate every area of my life to You and invite You to have Your way in me. In Jesus' Name. Amen."  -- Joel Osteen