"No prophet is ever accepted in his own country". Such was the case of Elijah, Elisha, many other prophets, and now, Jesus. But is this an absolute principle? Jesus was often met with a warm welcome in His country, which was an area a bit wider than the small village of Nazareth! But the welcome did not last long, and the final fate was rejection. Why? Two major elements triggered the setback. First, there is a tendency to manipulate God's grace and God's word in one's own favour; besides there is the thirst for privileges. "If you don't work here the miracles you did at Capernaum, you are unworthy to be a Nazarene." "If you preach the Year of grace, rather than the year of National Liberation, you are a traitor to your country". Second, the duty of the Prophet to keep God's grace and God's word free from these manipulations.

At Baptism you were incorporated into the prophetic body of Christ; at Confirmation your mission was confirmed. Will you be faithful to your prophetic mission? Then, renounce popularity.

Moments of popularity will come to you, but don't search for it. Your only concern should be to impart God's Word, without compromise, and accept the consequences.