What is special about Capernaum?

According to Mark, Capernaum is Jesus’ home (Mark 2:1). In Jesus’ home, he performs many miracles: Capernaum is the place where Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law (1:30-31), casts out the unclean spirit (1:21-25), raises Jairus’ daughter, and heals the woman with a bleeding episode (5:21-42). Capernaum is where he called his first disciples Peter and his brother Andrew (2:13-14). This city was known for merchant trade, so many people passed through it and saw the events of Jesus.

Today, we find ourselves in Capernaum. Jesus’ arrival at his home is a tragic comedy. He tells his most intimate friends that he will suffer and die, and they murmur with each other about who is the greatest among them. His disciples were afraid to ask about his suffering and death. Rather than focusing on the Son of Man’s true glory, his friends were more concerned about their glory. The Letter of James speaks on this in today’s Second Reading, “Where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice.”

Jesus is patient with his disciples and teaches them the lesson of greatness: servanthood. Being a Christian is not a self-help religion. Being a follower of Christ is about imitating Jesus as he cared and lived for others. In Capernum, he restored others to their full dignity. Jesus calls us to cooperate with him in repairing the world, which is not easy. The First Reading from the Book of Wisdom shows that all faithful to God will suffer. The enemy will revile the loyal servant. Revile comes from the French root reviler, which means to criticize abusively. The enemy will criticize and abuse the faithful servant. Yet, the psalm gives reassurance. God is our helper and will sustain our lives. To be great is to imitate Jesus, take up our cross daily, and follow the road he has set out.

As we carry our suffering, we remember that greatness is receiving the child. Greatness is taking every child and seeing Christ in them.

Serving half of the Class of 2028 in their day-long retreat.

There, in childhood innocence, I have found honest and blunt questions about life and faith. In childhood innocence, I have discovered sincerity of heart and search for truth.

Let’s not murmur this week about our labor’s reward. Christ alone is our reward. Keep focused on him with child-like faith. Let our hearts be Capernaum for Jesus where he brings full restoration to our lives. He loves you and will sustain you!