Memorial of Saint Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Matthew 13:54-58
Faith Beyond Labels

“Where did this man get all this wisdom?” the people asked. Rather than rejoice in Jesus’ teaching, they took offence. Why? Because they thought they already knew who he was: the carpenter’s son, just a neighbour, nothing special. Their familiarity bred contempt, and their lack of faith closed their hearts to the grace right in front of them.

This Gospel speaks to the painful reality many face when trying to live authentically and proclaim the truth. Like Jesus, we may be dismissed, misunderstood, or even resented by those closest to us. Society often values background, wealth, or status more than wisdom, integrity, or truth. In such a world, truth itself can become a stumbling block.

St. Alphonsus Liguori faced this himself. A brilliant lawyer turned priest, he was criticised even within the Church. Yet he remained faithful to his mission, offering the Gospel to the poor and abandoned, even when others doubted him. His life reminds us: our value is not determined by where we come from but by how faithfully we live the truth of Christ.

If you shine with conviction and integrity, know that you may meet resistance—even from friends. But don’t let that dim your light. Jesus, too, was rejected, not by strangers but by those from his hometown. The pain of being labeled, misunderstood, or blocked out is real. But take heart: the crucified Christ shows us that rejection never has the last word.

Keep sowing. Keep preaching. Not everyone will understand, but that’s not your burden to carry. Stay faithful to your calling. Truth, when lived with love and perseverance, always bears fruit.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025