"The Galileans received Him well."

We probably remember the passage from the Gospel about Jesus' visit to the synagogue in Nazareth. People from Jesus' native town were very sceptical about Him at that time. They listened to Jesus with disbelief and they actually rejected Him.

But today's Gospel tells us that when Jesus came to Galilee one more time, the Galileans welcomed Him. What happened between then and now that changed their hearts? The Galileans had seen the works of Jesus during the feast in Jerusalem.

How much time do people need to be converted? What signs do people need to change their mind and come back to Jesus?

"So you will not believe unless you see signs and portents" - Jesus says in today's Gospel. Every conversion occurs at the hour of God's grace. Today's Gospel teaches us patience and perseverance. God knows the best time to act and to perform signs. For Him, it is never too late. God can perform signs that are able to change the mind and heart of even the most sceptical person because He has the power to create not only new heavens and a new earth but most of all He is able to create a new heart.

"Sir, come down before my child dies" - the royal official begged Jesus. May our prayers for conversion be as strong and persistent as his request.