Which is better - Success or Failure?

In one's own country...

1 He departed from there and came to his native place,[a] accompanied by his disciples. 2 [b]When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astonished. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What kind of wisdom has been given him? What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands! 3 Is he not the carpenter,[c] the son of Mary, and the brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon? And are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. 4 [d]Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and among his own kin and in his own house.” 5 So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there,[e] apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. 6 He was amazed at their lack of faith.-Mark6:1-6

Is it indeed possible that perhaps Jesus' townsfolk wondered where He got His power? "Is it from this place or that place?" "Where did He go and where did He get His powers?" As if it can be bought next door!

We all know that in Jewish tradition, a person can call his cousins, half-siblings, nephews, nieces and kinsman/woman as his/her own brothers and sisters (e.g. Tobias and Sarah). In fact, I call my older cousins and other relatives as brothers and sisters because culture and respect require it.

The Gospel reading is all about the people's lack of faith in Jesus simply because they know Him - "Oh! He's the boy around the corner who happens to be a carpenter." Yes, in there eyes, Jesus is and will always be a carpenter, no more, no less. How sad, isn't it? But it is true that some people would rather see you fail, than be better. Some people would rather see you miserable and sad, than be happy. Some people would rather see you unsuccessful, than be successful. Jesus is inviting us to rejoice in other people's success and betterment. What is better - success or failure? If we want others to rejoice in our success and betterment, we should learn too to rejoice in theirs.

Image courtesy: Colourbox