Daily Reflection

1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Psalm 119: 97-102
Luke 4: 16-30

Today begins our trek through Luke’s book of the Gospel, that will culminate at the end of our Liturgical year, which occurs at the end of November. Jesus, at the onset of His instruction to those in whose midst He had lived for most of His earthly life, declares Himself the Messiah, and then shares the mission of the Messiah. Whether Jesus selected the reading from Isaiah that day or it had already been preselected for the day’s scripture reading, we do not know. Jesus reveals to those most familiar with Him, the people with whom he grew up, that He, this son of a carpenter, was in fact in the Messiah…and He had been in their midst all these years but they never knew it.

Initially, the people were ok with it and spoke highly of Him. And then the thoughts came – how could this son of a carpenter, who has been around us all these years be the Messiah? Jesus explains the mission of the Messiah, and that mission is to take care of the poor, the sick and those imprisoned. He does not mention a new earthly kingdom or the wealthy, or even the common guy. That was too much for the people listening to Him.

The people were so familiar with Jesus that they could not or would not accept Him for who He really is. Not only that, but Jesus explains using the stories of Elijah and Elisha, that the Messiah, or God, comes to those who are most in need. From the way they saw things, the healthy people were blessed by God and the Messiah they needed was the one who would establish a newly earthly kingdom. Jesus will explain that is not His mission.

So what about us? Have we become so comfortable with Jesus, so comfortable already knowing what He is all about, that we are actually missing what He is all about? Do we still see how we need Him? That family member or friend or classmate or coworker who does not want to hear about God from you anymore, will always love seeing God in you…and guess what….THAT is what will bring them to God...and THAT is carrying forth the mission of Christ.

It is a beautiful day! Go smile at God today!

August 31

Luke 4: 31-37

In today’s gospel, Jesus teaches with divine authority and gives a demonstration of that authority by casting out an unclean spirit. Here we see a theme that appears several times in Luke’s gospel – Jesus is not just here to proclaim the Kingdom of God; He manifests that power by freeing humanity from the forces of evil.
When Jesus comes to Capernaum, he enters the synagogue on the Sabbath. Luke tells us that the people were “astonished at his teaching, for his word was with authority”. Unlike the scribes and Pharisees, whose authority was derived from their interpretation of tradition, Jesus speaks with real authority. His authority is completely unique in that it comes from his true identity as God among them in the flesh. To what extent the people understood that is unclear, but what is clear is that they saw it as something quite different and “astonishing”. This is not just another person teaching them something about God. This is God himself teaching them about himself.

His encounter with the man possessed by the demon is fascinating in that unlike the people, the demon seems to know exactly who it is standing before him. He correctly identifies him as the “Holy one of God”. Remarkably, the demon has correct knowledge about Jesus even though he does not possess faith or obedience. Despite having that knowledge, he opposes Jesus. Jesus simply tells the demon “Be silent – come out of him”. No complicated ritual, prayers or appeal to a higher power as might have been expected if this were the Jewish leaders attempting this. Again, as readers of this story we know why – this is true power commanding his obedience. And despite his opposition, the demon immediately obeys. One of the early heresies in the Church was dualism – the belief that God and Satan are equal but opposite powers. This encounter is one of many that clearly shows that they are not equal - God is infinitely greater. He has no equal. Even the demons obey him. Despite his great power, Satan is ultimately finite. There is only one who is truly infinite.

Also note that Jesus frees this man from the demon without harming him. Clearly his mission is to free this man from his slavery to the demon. This of course is a key part of his ministry – to free all from the slavery of sin. The people then say “what is this word”? This is crucial. Human language is merely descriptive. With God, his word is creative. What God says, is. God said “let there be light” - and there was light. When Jesus says to the dead man “Lazarus rise” - the dead man rises. God speaks reality into being. In this story, God commands the demon to “come out” and the demon obeys. Again, we don’t know to what extent the witnesses to this were aware of that, but it seems by their response that there was at least some realization of how extraordinary the event was that they saw.

The Church lives this same mission today through her sacraments, particularly Baptism, Reconciliation and Eucharist, each of which brings the grace through which Christ sanctifies and frees us from our sin.
Finally, Luke tells us that word about Jesus spread through the region. The proper response to encountering Christ is proclamation and evangelization. Those who witness his authority become witnesses themselves.

Question for reflection: In what ways have I experienced Jesus freeing me from my sin? How did I respond?

September 1

In today’s Gospel, we learn that Jesus doesn’t just heal us, he “rebukes” the source of our ailment.

Jesus, when standing over Simon’s mother-in-law “rebuked” the fever, and it leaves her. When he cast out the demons from those possessed, he “rebuked” the demons, not allowing them to proclaim that He was the Christ. Jesus’ miracles were more than just physical or psychological healings. They were supernatural interventions that liberated the afflicted person. In our lives we see this supernatural intervention most clearly in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Jesus doesn’t just remove the sins that spiritually afflict us. He also liberates us from the power of Satan, giving us the opportunity to live in holiness and communion with our Lord.

One often overlooked but important point in today’s Gospel is the reaction of Simon’s mother-in-law after being healed. We hear, “she got up immediately and waited on them.” Her healing leads directly to service. Jesus does not restore her health simply so that she can return to an ordinary life centered upon herself. He restores her so that she can give herself in love to others. This becomes an image of Christian discipleship. Christ’s grace liberates us for a purpose. We are changed in a way that leads us into a life of gratitude, which is best expressed in our service to others.

One last point. These healings are bracketed by the accounts of Jesus preaching in the synagogues. Jesus’ preaching is based on the reading of the scrolls of the sacred Jewish writings. But he interprets them in a way that announces the “Good News” of the Kingdom of God for which He is the Messiah. So, while He teaches those listening as a Rabbi, Jesus’ message is ushering in a new kingdom based on love and service to others. Jesus then shows us what this new kingdom looks like through His service to those in need.

As his disciples, we too should announce the good news to those who need hope and the love of God. But the power of the message comes through our service and love to those in need. Our actions will bring our words to life in the minds and hearts of those we serve. This is how we build the kingdom of God.

Today’s Question for Prayer and Reflection
How has Jesus’ grace liberated me so that I can serve others?

Source for today’s reflection: https://epriest.com/reflections/view/3541

September 2

1 Corinthians 3: 18-23
Psalm 24
Luke 5: 1-11

Ever hear someone get on themselves because they just find themselves doubting their faith, or God, or both? Ever been in that position yourself? Yeah…well…stop it. In today’s gospel we hear Jesus taking the approach we need to follow – we first listen to His instruction and then apply it to our lives. Jesus got into Peter’s boat and instructed those willing to listen – He then turns to Peter and looks for Peter to trust in Him. The more we listen to Jesus, the more we spend time with His word, the greater our trust in the Father’s plan for us.

The author Dr Gregory Bottaro wrote in his book The Mindful Catholic: “Our one task, our one goal, the whole purpose, meaning, and secret of our lives, is to learn to fully trust God. Trusting God is everything.” We see that same instruction from all of the Saints…just look what happened when Peter trusted Jesus. Jesus did not just deliver a few fish, He delivered an overabundance of fish! More than Peter and Peter’s mates could handle!

Today we celebrate the Memorial of St. Gregory the Great, Pope and Doctor of the Church, who lived from 540AD to 604AD. Pope St. Gregory made bold changes that re-energized the missionary work of the Church. His great trust gave him the strength, wisdom and prudence. He is one of the four key Doctors of the Church, with Augustine, Ambrose and Jerome.

There are two single things that absolutely must be present to trust in Jesus: humility and surrender. This may be tough to accept…but you do not have all of the answers, wisdom or knowledge…and neither does the mass media, social media, certainly not Hollywood or any politician or sports figure…and yet we keep listening to them like they have all of the answers. That’s goofy! To know the path to the Truth (God’s Truth, not mankind’s version that leads us to heresy and damaged lives) we need to start with humility and a willingness to surrender to the will of God.

Start today! Right now! It is too important to wait! And then let Jesus overflow your boat too!

It’s a beautiful day! Go smile at God!

September 3

In yet another dialogue with the Pharisees in today’s Gospel, Jesus explains why his disciples are not following the strict Mosaic laws regarding fasting.

Which comes first, fasting or feasting? The Pharisees were upset with Jesus' disciples because they did not fast. Instead, they seemed to eat and drink freely during a fasting period. Jesus gave a simple explanation. There's a time for fasting and a time for feasting or celebrating. As disciples of Jesus, His followers were experiencing a new joy-filled relationship akin to the joy of the wedding party celebrating with the groom and bride their wedding bliss. Jesus knows there also comes a time when the disciples must bear the cross of affliction and purification. In His presence and participating in the new Kingdom of God that is unfolding, the disciples are not yet in need of fasting. Jesus knows and states that, “The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast in those days." (Lk. 5:35)

Jesus then uses the parable of the new garment and the new wineskins to teach the Pharisees, and us, that the new Kingdom of God, cannot be conformed to the old ways of Judaism. The Messiah is here; the time for waiting, with its anticipatory prayer and fasting, is no longer appropriate. Jesus warns them about the problem of the "closed mind" that refuses to learn new things. New wine needs new wine skins that are flexible and willing to expand. The same is true for living in the new Kingdom of God.

What did Jesus mean by this comparison? Are we to reject the old in place of the new? There are a right place and a right time for fasting and for feasting. When we turn away from the Lord’s presence by our sin or lose hope in the Lord’s promises during times of severe affliction, it is prayer and fasting that can remind us that our suffering is far less than the suffering Jesus endured for our salvation. So, there is a place for the old as well as the new. We never stop seeking the Lord’s love and forgiveness. Yet, we return to Him with joy, knowing that His ultimate sacrifice was done for us. For you, and for me.

The Lord Jesus doesn't want us to hold rigidly to the past and be resistant to the new action of the Holy Spirit in our lives. He wants our minds and hearts to be like the new wine skins - open and ready to receive the new wine of the Holy Spirit.

Today’s Question for Prayer and Reflection
Are you eager to grow in the knowledge and understanding of God's word and plan for your life?

Source for today’s reflection: https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2026&date=sep4

September 4

$In the first reading today, Paul is addressing converts to Christianity in the large cosmopolitan city of Corinth. He ironically warns them against boasting, pride and conceit. He reminds them that if there is any good in them, they have received it supernaturally. The true lot of the Christian is gratitude for blessings and acceptance of misfortune for their faith. Paul closes the passage, asserting that his chastisements are not to shame or embarrass his listeners, but to encourage them to grow in virtue, also reminding them that as their spiritual father, he has special authority over his children. He, and his fellow shepherds, are stewards of the mysteries of God for the benefit of the mystical body of Christ and the ordinary minister of the sacraments; the channels through which the grace of the Savior flows for the good of humanity. The Gospel from Luke recounts the first of two controversies regarding the Sabbath. The Sabbath was established in the Old Testament as a day of worship and rest to set God’s chosen, the Hebrews, apart from other peoples. By New Testament times the priestly classes had added a multitude of precepts to Sabbath observance, the slightest infraction of which would call one’s religious commitment in question and, in more severe cases, make one ineligible; ‘unclean’, for communal worship. In this episode, Pharisees would equate the plucking of grain for food; allowed with harvesting; work prohibited on the Sabbath. Jesus would sarcastically compare it to activity recorded of David’s followers: ‘Have you not read?’ Of course, they would have read and almost certainly memorized large parts of the Old Testament. Jesus would then give them a clue where His authority to redefine permitted activity on the Sabbath comes from and, as the Son of Man, to His very identity.$