METANOIA

[1]The expression “familiarity breeds contempt” is all too familiar. Yet, as is the case with many common sayings, we might benefit from looking at whether or not it truly makes sense. When we don't examine these beliefs, they tend to become self-fulfilling prophecies. Ordinarily, the expression “familiarity breeds contempt” refers to what often happens in long-standing relationships. Regrettably, over time too many relationships begin to see their happiness and commitment wither. Yet, the question remains: Is it familiarity that causes this disappointment?

We might consider whether it's familiarity that's the culprit, or whether something else is provoking the contempt. At times, familiarity may, in fact, pave the way for greater intimacy and love. After all, when the relationship begins, and we’re open to emotional intimacy, we set the stage for falling in love.[2]

Yet, the line “familiarity breeds contempt” can apply to scriptures. Today, Jesus speaks as a prophet, reversing the ancient judgments against two Phoenician cities traditionally known for their sinfulness. Tyre and Sidon become witnesses against the cities where Jesus has performed “mighty deeds.” Even Sodom “would have remained until this day” (Mt 11:23) had they witnessed the miracles Jesus worked—whereas towns of Galilee, where Jesus has gone about performing miracles, have not reformed.

Villagers became so used to hearing the Good News preached by the young rabbi from Nazareth that they stopped listening and eventually even shrugged their shoulders over his miracles. They took Jesus for granted. Preaching and miracles had as their goal conversion, the change of heart of the villagers, to have them experience metanoia.

Early Church fathers translated metanoia as “penance.”[3] It is a fundamental change in character, repentance. But metanoia is impossible when recipients feel they deserve grace, without changing their hearts or behaviors. Are we any different? We hear the same scriptures in cycle year after year, (sometimes even the same homilies in cycle, year after year). We participate in the same rituals, daily for some of us. Has familiarity bred contempt even complacency within the community of faith? To the point we no longer hear the scriptures proclaimed, or in many cases don’t even come to Mass any longer because it seems to have become irrelevant?

 

Our familiarity with scripture, the prayers and ritual praxis, the Sacraments, even believing what we participate in, at this table, the communion we share, needs to pave the way for greater intimacy and love. Our familiarity needs to breed metanoia. First within ourselves, so we become what we receive. Then in our daily lives, be witnesses of the mighty deeds of Jesus, setting the stage for others to fall in love and experience their own metanoia.

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[1] Scripture (NABRE), Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30; Matthew 10:16-23

[2] Psychology Today, “Does Familiarity Breed Contempt?” by Mel Schwartz, L.C.S.W. Posted October 24, 2010.

[3] Weekday HomilyHelps, Exegesis by Mary Ann Getty, Ph.D.; Homily Suggesting by Tim Cronin.