One day a historian from the United States asked a former president of Argentina why South America with all of its tremendous natural resources of iron, copper, silver and gold….its great rivers and forests is so far behind the United States in development?

After a few moments of reflection, the President of Argentina said: “I’ve come to the conclusion that South America was settled by the Spanish, who came from Europe in search of gold. North America was settled by Pilgrims who came in search of God and human freedom.”

In today’s Gospel (Mark 6:1-6) Jesus goes back home to Nazareth where he was raised and grew up. On the Sabbath he gets up to teach in the synagogue. The people reacted and so did Jesus react to their lack of faith in him. 

The people were amazed when Jesus stood
In the synagogue of his hometown, as he should.
They marveled at his wisdom, his mighty deeds,
“Is he not just a carpenter?” they asked in the weeds. 

They took offense, in disbelief they dwelled,
A prophet’s honor in his home town withheld.
Jesus, amazed at their sticking to life’s routine,
In his own town, he found but a shattered dream.

The Pilgrims came to America’s shore,
With faith in God, and seeking more.
Not for gold or riches to amass,
But for freedom and faith to grasp.

Their journey wasn’t driven by greed,
But by a higher call they chose to heed.
In this new land, they sought to find,
A place where God and freedom intertwined.

From Jesus’ time to the Pilgrims’ quest,
Faith and purpose drive the blessed.
In every heart that seeks the light,
There’s a prophet’s spirit, ever burning bright.

By Medard Laz       Thanks to Pablo Heimplatz for the photo.

How great is YOUR faith in Jesus? How great is YOUR faith in America these days? Do YOU think we are still Pilgrims seeking God and human freedom or are we simply seeking gold? 

AGE MAKES YOU OLD ENOUGH TO KNOW BETTER. BUT GOD MAKES YOU WISE ENOUGH TO DO BETTER!!

Another Message on Sunday is good for the soul. Please share my poem and listen to my Podcast.