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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 7, 2008

Scripture: Ezekiel 33:7-9 Romans 13:8-10 Matthew 18:15-20 Reflection: Correction & Mending Hurts The gospels do not gloss over the human failings of the apostles. Jesus corrects and instructs them time » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 6, 2008

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:6b-15 Luke 6:1-5 Reflection: Paul warns the Corinthians not to "go beyond what was written." Sounds like a teacher instructing her young students not to color outside » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 5, 2008

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:1-5 Luke 5:33-39 Reflection: Would you ever consider cutting apart a section of a new jacket and using it as a patch on an old jacket?  This » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 4, 2008

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 Luke 5:1-11 Reflection: A fish story!  A faith story!  What a gift for these days of Indian Summer, as we transition from summertime to the beauty » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 3, 2008

Feast of Saint Gregory the Great, pope and doctor of the Church  Scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:1-9 Luke 4:38-44 Reflection: To take up the Cross means "I take responsibility." Today’s Word » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 1, 2008

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Luke 4:16-30 Reflection: Have you ever noticed that when you hear something over and over again you tend to stop listening and not hear it?  Frequently » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, September 2, 2008

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:10b-16 Luke 4:31-37 Reflection: In this season of feverish political activity we daily view candidates for office seeking dramatic ways to communicate their ‘platform’.  They compete for » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, August 31, 2008

Scripture: Jeremiah 20:7-9 Romans 12:1-2 Matthew 16:21-27 Reflection: All of our Scripture readings for today speak to us about how we as Christians are to follow God’s ways and not » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, August 29, 2008

Memorial of the Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:17-25 Psalms 33:1-2, 4-5, 10-11 Mark 6:17-29 Reflection: The story of the martyrdom of John the Baptist as » Continue Reading.

Daily Scripture, August 28, 2008

The Feast of St. Augustine Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:1-9 Matthew 24:42-51 Reflection: Matthew’s Gospel boldly proclaims the words of Jesus:  "Stay awake!  For you do not know on which day » Continue Reading.

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