Daily Reflection – 8/2/19
Sacred Scripture
Jesus came to his native place and taught the people in their synagogue. They were astonished and said, “Where did this man get such wisdom and mighty deeds? Is he not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother named Mary and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? Are not his sisters all with us? Where did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” And he did not work many mighty deeds there because of their lack of faith. ( Matthew 13:54-58)
Reflection
The people of Nazareth thought they knew all about Jesus. He had grown up among them. Apparently they had not seen anything extraordinary about him before he started his public ministry. They thought he was just like everyone else. So when they hear that he is doing miracles and teaching with authority, they do not believe it.
Is that a bit like us? Sometimes we also run the danger of putting limits on Christ’s power in our lives. We see the circumstances of my life and the recurrence of the same old problems. We do not believe that Christ can do something supernatural in the midst of an ordinary situation. Today we am receiving an invitation to step beyond the routine and believe more deeply in the power of Christ.
The people of Nazareth felt that such a familiar figure could not bring anything extraordinary. When we are challenged by the Gospel or by the Church we should be thankful. Christ is inviting us to discover the deepest meaning of our lives. He is giving us a chance to allow his presence to make a deep change in our lives. He is allowing us to discover him in faith and is taking us beyond our comfort zone to the level of the coming of his Kingdom.
What sort of miracles does Christ want to do in our lives? He wants to fill our lives with his holiness and help us be a light for others. If we can shake off my superficiality and lack of faith, we will discover the powerful presence of the Savior who helps us live each moment with depth and love. He can do miracles in our lives. He can help us live the virtues which are most costly for us. Are we willing to take a risk for Christ and trust him totally?
Prayer of The Day
Lord, I know you want to do great things in my life. Help me to see how you can transform the ordinary, seemingly unimportant circumstances of my day into moments when your grace triumphs. Enable me to be docile to your Holy Spirit, so he can do miracles in my life.
Daily Note
Today may we consciously and deliberately “put on the mind and heart of Jesus.” If we do so, we may find that we are more peaceful, gracious and loving! We also may be more joyful and light-hearted! And we may receive more gifts than we have given!
