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Daily Reflections

Daily Scripture, August 1, 2025

Scripture:

Leviticus 23:1, 4-11, 15-16, 27, 34b-37
Matthew 13:54-58

Reflection:

Today was a significant day for the Nazarenes. Jesus, one of their own, has been preaching and performing miracles around Galilee, and now he will be teaching in their synagogue. What would he say? Would he perform any miracles? How quickly the mood changed from excitement to skepticism and even anger as they listened to his message. “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds?”

The people of Nazareth struggled to reconcile Jesus’ humble origins with his wisdom and extraordinary abilities. There was nothing unusual about his family. Joseph, Mary and Jesus had lived in the village for many years. Neighbors would have known if Jesus had studied with a rabbi. They could not understand or accept how he taught in the synagogue with such knowledge and authority.

How often have I been guilty of letting my preconceived notions and biases influence my acceptance of others? How often do I fail to recognize the potential of those I think I know well?

“And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith.” The Nazarenes’ skepticism and familiarity with Jesus’ life prevented them from fully experiencing his divine nature and the miracles he performed. For me, the most important lesson from today’s reading is that our faith will grow if we are humble and teachable. We must accept that God’s work can emerge from the most unexpected places or individuals. As we grow in humility, we will open our hearts to God’s guidance and place our faith in his plan for us.  

Mike Owens is the coordinator of the Passionist Formation Alumni Association and a member of the Province Commission on Migration.  He lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

Daily Scripture, September 29, 2008

Feast of Ss. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, Archangels Scripture: Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 Revelations 12:7-12ab John 1:47-51 Reflection: Today I find we as Catholic Christians are rather reluctant to speak about » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, October 2, 2008

Scripture: Job 19:21-27 Matthew 18:1-5, 10 Reflection: Today’s feast of the Guardian Angels points to a surprising intersection between ancient belief and a central feature of modern, popular spirituality.  In » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 30, 2008

Scripture: Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23 Luke 9:51-56 Reflection: Have you ever had one of those days when you wish you hadn’t been born?  That is how Job felt in our » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 28, 2008

Scripture: Ezekiel 18:25-28 Philippians 2:1-11 Matthew 21:28-32 Reflection: Henri Nouwen in the book "Compassion," draws on the beautiful hymn of Christ in Paul’s letter to the Philippians – today’s second » Continue Reading.

Daily Reflection, September 27, 2008

Scripture: Eccl 11:9-12:8 Lk 9:43b-45 Reflection: Today’s first reading is a sobering one. It could certainly give even a "cock-eyed" optimist pause.  At first we are encouraged to enjoy the » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 26, 2008

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 Luke 9:18-22 Reflection: Today is the Feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian.  If one wanders the area near the Forum in Rome, there is a very ancient » Continue Reading.

Dailly Scripture Reflection, September 25, 2008

Scripture:  Eccl. 1:2-11 Ps. 90:3-6, 12-14, 17c Lk  9:7-9 Reflection:                 The Gospel of Luke is characterized by individuals asking questions, e. g.  Zachariah, Mary, Elizabeth, John the Baptist, Scribes » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 24, 2008

The Feast of St. Vincent Strambi, Passionist  Scripture: Proverbs 30:5-9 Luke 9:1-6 Reflection: "And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere." Luke 9:2,6 Today is the feast » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 22, 2008

Scripture: Proverbs 3:27-34 Luke 8:16-18 Reflection: "Refuse no one the good on which he has a claim when it is in your power to do it for him." Proverbs 3:27 » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 17, 2008

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13 Luke 7:31-35 Reflection: Today’s first reading is a beautiful passage and perhaps one of the most quoted in the New Testament. It is often read at » Continue Reading.

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