Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time - Does Familiarity Breed Contempt?

Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time - Does Familiarity Breed Contempt?

Published: February 3, 2026

Duration: 6:44

Read Online

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.” So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there, apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them. He was amazed at their lack of faith. Mark 6:4–6

It’s an old expression that “familiarity breeds contempt.” It is often easier to harbor contempt for those closest to us than to offer admiration. This dynamic frequently manifests itself among relatives, neighbors, and friends. The “contempt” migh...