No one enjoys the struggles and difficulties that life brings to us. If we have done something wrong, at least we are resigned to accepting the chastisement for our misdeeds. But it is difficult to explain these painful things if we have done nothing wrong - we might be totally innocent. Hebrews has some words of wisdom for us - it might be a form of discipline or training sent by God. As the saying goes, 'no pain, no gain!' Accept everything with patience and a sense of peace. Turn them to your own advantage, growing in holiness, patience, and love. You will be a winner - those who react with bitterness, anger, and cynicism are the losers.

Jesus was not accepted in his hometown, even though he had done spectacular things elsewhere. That is very human - it is hard to be respected by those who know us all too well, even our own families at times. They sneered at his humble origins - this is the carpenter's son - we even know his family! Who does he think he is? Strangely, he could do very little in the way of miracles and healings there. This was because of their lack of faith. Mark makes it very clear in almost every healing that the crucial element is faith. Without that, little is possible.