An Open Heart

Homily for Wednesday of the 4th Week in Ordinary Time

Both of today’s readings confront us with a truth we often resist: the human heart struggles to trust God, especially when pride, familiarity, or fear get in the way.

In 2 Samuel, David orders a census—not because God asked for it, but because David wanted to measure his own strength. It was a moment of misplaced confidence, a subtle shift from relying on God to relying on numbers, power, and human security. When the consequences fall on the people, David’s heart breaks. He realizes that leadership rooted in pride wounds others. His prayer—“I have sinned; let the punishment fall on me”—reveals a humbled king who finally sees clearly again.

In Mark’s Gospel, Jesus returns to Nazareth, and the people cannot see Him for who He truly is. They know His family, His trade, His background. Their familiarity becomes a barrier to faith. Instead of receiving the grace standing in front of them, they close their hearts. Mark tells us that Jesus “was amazed at their lack of faith.” The tragedy is not that Jesus lacked power, but that their refusal to trust prevented them from receiving what God longed to give.

Both stories show us that God’s mercy is ready, but the human heart must open.

David’s pride closed his heart; the people of Nazareth closed theirs through familiarity and skepticism. Yet in both cases, God responds not with abandonment but with compassion. David sees the angel of destruction and pleads for his people. Jesus, rejected in His hometown, continues His mission elsewhere, still offering healing and hope.

The invitation for us is simple and challenging: Where is my heart closed to God?  Is it pride—wanting control, like David? Is it overfamiliarity—thinking I already know what God can or cannot do? Is it fear—hesitating to trust?

When we open even a small space, God enters with mercy. David’s repentance becomes the doorway to healing. The few in Nazareth who did believe received miracles. God never stops offering grace; He waits for us to make room.

May we ask today for a heart that trusts more deeply, sees more clearly, and welcomes God without conditions.