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Daily Reflections

Daily Scripture, August 8, 2025

Scripture:

Deuteronomy 4:32-40
Matthew 16:24-28

Reflection:

What does Jesus mean when he says to his disciples – including us – “Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me”?

Does it mean that we are to accept with patience our trials, aches and pains that are part of life, to “offer it up to God,” as the good Sisters taught us to say?  Yes.  But it means so much more than dealing with life’s choppy waters.

It means that Christ demands, not suggests, a commitment of faith that is ready to embrace God’s will, wherever it may lead, even unto death. Such a commitment of faith means that we are ready to affirm life despite what life brings, and even in the face of doubts and fears.

Another question: does Jesus mean we must be ready to suffer a physical death of martyrdom?  Again, the answer is perhaps yes.  But it means something even more difficult than martyrdom.  When we embrace the will of God, we must let of own will, our ego, self-centeredness – even unto death.  We must die to ourselves.  This can be quite painful and difficult to accomplish without God’s grace.

Undoubtedly, this is what the Apostle Paul meant when he proclaimed “I am crucified with Christ!  It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Gal 2:20).  To follow Christ in this way means losing our false self, false life, in order to truly find ourselves, to be who we truly are, to be wholly ourselves.

Christ’s demand is unequivocal.  If we wish to follow him, we must take up our cross – with the kind of faith in which Jesus can say to us: “Your faith has made you whole.”

Deacon Manuel Valencia retired from active retreat ministry at Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center in Sierra Madre, California, after 23 years. He continues to provide spiritual counseling there and delivers a monthly homily at the retreat chapel.

Daily Scripture, July 19, 2025

Scripture: Exodus 12:37-42Matthew 12:14-21 Reflection: In today’s Old Testament and Psalm readings, we are drawn into the story of the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. Scripture recalls the mighty » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 18, 2025

Scripture: Exodus 11:10-12:14Matthew 12:1-8 Reflection: Our first reading from the book of Exodus, recounts the event of the Passover sacrifice and meal.  A lamb without blemish was taken from each » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 17, 2025

Scripture: Exodus 3:13-20Matthew 11:28-30 Reflection: “I love you. I care about you. I will be with you.” These are words all of us hunger to hear because they offer the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 16, 2025

Scripture: Exodus 3:1-6, 9-12Matthew 11:25-27 Reflection: At that time Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 15, 2025

Scripture: Exodus 2:1-15aMatthew 11:20-24 Reflection: It will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon and for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you… This gospel » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 14, 2025

Memorial of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, Virgin Scripture: Exodus 1:8-14, 22Matthew 10:34-11:1 Reflection: The Enduring Shadow of Cruelty When we look back at history, as far back as the oldest writings » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 13, 2025

Scripture: Deuteronomy 30:10-14Colossians 1:15-20Luke 10:25-37 Reflection: The parable of the Good Samaritan is so familiar to most of us that it can sometimes be a challenge to find new insight » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 12, 2025

Scripture: Genesis 49:29-32; 50:15-26aMatthew 10:24-33 Reflection: Sparrows are small birds found in most parts of the world.  They have a typical length of 6.3 inches and weigh a mere .85 to 1.39 » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 11, 2025

Scripture: Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30Matthew 10:16-23 Reflection: “Hineni,” “Here I am,” Jacob responded to God who called him. The Hebrew word “hineni” is packed with mystical, life-changing meaning. It means complete » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, July 10, 2025

Scripture: Genesis 44:18-21, 23b-29; 45:1-5Matthew 10:7-15 Reflection: When I was 3 months old, I weighed the same as when I was born. Although they eventually received a diagnosis and effective » Continue Reading.

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