Jesus said, "No prophet is welcome on his home turf; doctors don't cure those who know them." (31 Thomas)

Familiarity breeds contempt. Too often we do not recognize and refuse to accept the strengths of those we know best. Even as we dwell on their weaknesses.

The strengths are no different whether at home or abroad. But perception is too often confused for reality. Too often our perception is complicated by self-regard.

In this self-centered perceiving we can be trapped in illusion. The prophecy is not heard. The healing is not received. Jesus warns us to radical realism, whatever the source.

The saying quoted by Thomas is clearly related to very similar words in Mark, Matthew, Luke, and John.