Heart of Stone

Reflection Date: March 09, 2026 | Monday of the Third Week of Lent
Memorial of Saint Frances of Rome, religious
Daily Readings: 2 Kings 5:1-15ab; Luke 4:24-30

 Children of God:
Where can you find the oldest Church bell in your parish or in your diocese?

In Hong Kong, a century-old bronze bell rang again in Pok Fu Lam last February as Catholics marked its 130 years of missionary presence at Our Lady of Lourdes Church.

Let me repeat that: 130 years!

The bell had witnessed generations of baptisms, weddings, funerals, and quiet daily Masses. It had once echoed across hills and villages, calling people to prayer.

For years, however, its voice had grown faint with time and change. When it rang again, many parishioners felt both nostalgia and gratitude.

It reminded the faithful of missionaries who had left their homeland to plant the faith. It recalled sacrifices made quietly and faithfully.

It invited a new generation to listen again.

In the gospel of Luke, Jesus had returned to His hometown of Nazareth.

The people who had known Him since childhood had listened to Him in the synagogue.

Yet He had declared, “No prophet is accepted in his own native place.”

Hearing him, they had been filled with fury. They had driven Him out of the town and led Him to the brow of a hill to throw Him down.

But He had passed through the midst of them and went away.

The hometown that heard His voice had refused His message.

What are our inspirations for today?

First, Familiarity breeds contempt.

The people of Nazareth had known Jesus as the carpenter’s son. They had heard His voice before in ordinary conversations. Because He was familiar, they struggled to see the extraordinary in Him.

When He spoke truth, they did not celebrate but resisted. His words challenged their expectations and widened their vision beyond Israel. Instead of listening deeply, they reacted defensively.

Today we reflect on how familiarity can dull our ears.

We hear Scripture often. We attend Mass regularly.

We see priests, religious, and church leaders frequently.

Yet do we still truly listen, or has routine made us deaf to grace?

Second, Rejection refines the mission.

When Jesus had been rejected, He did not abandon His mission.

He did not argue endlessly or force acceptance. He simply passed through their midst and continued His work.

Now we are invited to see that rejection does not cancel calling. When our faith is ignored, when our witness is misunderstood, we continue loving and serving.

Like that 130 years old bell in Hong Kong, we keep ringing, trusting that some hearts will awaken.

As we reflect today, we may ask ourselves: Do I dismiss God’s voice because it comes through familiar people or ordinary situations? When truth challenges my comfort, do I react with resistance or with openness? How can I continue my mission with humility even when I feel unheard or rejected?

Children of God:
The bell in Hong Kong rang again after many years, and its sound stirred memory and mission.

The people of Nazareth heard the living Word yet chose anger and mistrust.

One sound awakened gratitude, the other provoked rejection.

The difference lay not in the message but in the listening heart. God continues to ring His call in our lives through Scripture, community, and daily events.

Sometimes His voice comes from places we least expect. Sometimes it comes from people we think we already know too well.

This Lent, we choose to listen beyond familiarity. We allow God’s Word to disturb us and enlarge us. We become bells ourselves, sounding mercy and truth in our communities.