The reading from Leviticus describes God's instruction to Moses regarding the celebration of the Jewish Festival of Booths. At harvest time, the people are to construct dwellings out of tree branches and live in these fragile dwellings for seven days. It is a reminder of the tenuous situation of their ancestors as they travelled through the desert toward the Promised Land. The feast also involves atonement, rest from work, and offering the first fruits of the harvest to God. Though the history of the Jewish people is mixed with bitterness and joy, at this festival God invites them to remember and celebrate.

Today Jesus comes home to Nazareth. The people acknowledge that he has wisdom and works deeds of power. Instead of celebrating the great blessing that has come to them, however, they resist Jesus. They cannot fathom how someone who has grown up in their midst can be so extraordinary. They do not believe and so, sadly, Jesus does not work deeds of power in their midst.

Is God inviting me to celebrate anything with him? Do I believe that Jesus can work something extraordinary in my life?