Daily Gospel Reflection

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August 4, 2023

Memorial of Saint John Vianney - Priest
Mt 13:54-58
Listen to the Audio Version

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.

Reflection

Bill Harlan ’89
ND Parent
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I wonder if folks from Jesus’ hometown experienced regret over what could have been. Jesus commands us to put our faith and trust in him, but we all know from experience that it is easier said than done.

True to my economics major, with a nod to Professor Rakowski, I often look at issues through an economic lens, asking, “What does it cost, and what are the benefits?” True, faith costs some time, just as any relationship does. However, an investment in faith is unique. For anything else, after using some of it, you will always have less. Not so with faith, where the more you depend on it, the more you have.

No one is entirely immune to doubt. Even the apostle Thomas experienced it like the folks from Jesus’ hometown. Still, Jesus calls us to take the leap, make the up-front investment, place our trust in God, and believe. When we do, the “mighty deeds” follow, though all according to the Father’s will.

For even the most devout, “Thy will be done” can sometimes be challenging. What are we to do? A recent meme conveyed a powerful lesson. It pictured a man standing on the shore leaning on a spade with the caption, “God is in control, but our heavenly Father doesn’t expect you to lean on a shovel and pray for a hole.” The meme echoed St. Augustine’s wise counsel: “Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you.”

Let us seek to pray hard, work hard, have faith, and trust! It’s the only way to get our will to align better with God’s will. Then be watchful for the mighty deeds that follow!

Prayer

Father Bob Loughery, C.S.C.

Almighty God, guide us as we seek to do your will. Help us to be faithful as we follow your Son, who has called us to be his healing presence in a broken world. May we hear his call and experience the conversion of our hearts and lives. We ask this in his name. Amen.