Jeremiah was asked by God to go to the Temple and speak to the people. He was told to warn them about the disasters which would come unless they changed their ways. If they did not listen, the Temple would become like the temple in Shiloh, which was now in ruins. If they changed their ways, God would not bring disaster on them. Jeremiah's message did not go down well with those who heard him. The priests and prophets, who assumed they were more familiar with God and His ways compared to Jeremiah, seized and threatened him with death. God had sent His prophet but the people failed to recognise him as such.

In the same way, when Jesus went to Nazareth, His home village, He encountered a crowd that reacted negatively towards Him. This negativity was the result of their perceived familiarity with Jesus. They thought they knew all there was to know about Him. The Son of God had come among them, but the people failed to recognise Him.

The Scripture readings place before us two different scenarios, but both containing the same message. Those who assume that they are too familiar with God and His ways can still fail to hear His message or recognise Him. For at times, familiarity can breed contempt. What about us? Have we become too familiar with God?