Daily Gospel Reflection
Join the Notre Dame family of faith. Receive God’s Word and a unique reflection in your inbox each day.
January 25, 2026
When Jesus heard that John had been arrested,
he withdrew to Galilee.
He left Nazareth and went to live in Capernaum by the sea,
in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali,
that what had been said through Isaiah the prophet
might be fulfilled:
Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
the way to the sea, beyond the Jordan,
Galilee of the Gentiles,
the people who sit in darkness have seen a great light,
on those dwelling in a land overshadowed by death
light has arisen.
From that time on, Jesus began to preach and say,
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
In today’s gospel, Jesus begins his public ministry, taking center stage after John the Baptist prepared the way. The prophet Isaiah describes this moment as a great light arising in a land overshadowed by death. Christ brings this light through his ministry of preaching, healing, and accompaniment. In Scripture, light is always transformational, whether it is the light of Creation or the conversion of Saul to Paul; it invites us to orient our lives toward God and fosters growth.
As we begin Catholic Schools Week, I am reminded of the transformational nature of education. Blessed Basil Moreau, C.S.C., described education as “the art of helping young people to completeness,” emphasizing the importance of helping young people become more like Christ. It is more than relaying information; it is about instilling values that lead to a good and meaningful life. When I recall my favorite teachers, they were the ones who excelled not just by making learning engaging, but by caring deeply about my personal growth and well-being.
At the heart of both their work and Christ’s ministry is accompaniment, journeying with those we serve to help them see the light. At the end of the gospel, Christ proclaims, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This is not a warning but an invitation to turn toward the transformational light of his ministry and allow it to shape the way we live and serve others.
Let us take a moment to pray for all who serve in Catholic schools and in the work of faith formation, reflecting especially on those who help us recognize the great light of Christ, that through their selfless work Christ’s light may continue to be revealed.
Prayer
Loving Father, the light of your Son illuminates the truly beautiful but also reveals our sins. May we never despair but be quick to repent and reconcile. With unburdened hearts, may we see the face of God and joyfully proclaim, “The Kingdom of God is at Hand!” We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day
St. Paul has one of the most dramatic and famous conversion stories of all time.
Saul was born a Roman citizen in Tarsus. Saul was a highly educated Jewish man who was trained in classical disciplines such as rhetoric and in the strict observance of Mosaic law. Saul was a zealous Pharisee and had returned to Tarsus before Jesus began his public ministry in Palestine.
In fact, Saul was so zealous about the law that he persecuted Christians because they departed from it in their following of Jesus. He was in the crowd that murdered St. Stephen, the first martyr, and violently persecuted other Christians. He would drag Christians out of their homes, shackle them with chains, and throw them in prison.
He asked permission to round up all the Christians in Damascus and march them, in chains, to Jerusalem as an example. On his way to Damascus, he was surrounded by an intensely bright light from heaven and was struck to the ground. “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me,” a voice called out. “Who are you, sir?” Saul cried out. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting” (Acts 9).
Saul was converted at that moment, and the Lord instructed him to go into Damascus, where he would be told what to do. Saul got up, but realized he could not see—he had been struck blind by the vision.
He was led into the city and sheltered there until a Christian named Ananias was told by the risen Lord to find Saul and lay hands on him and heal him. Ananias had heard about this Saul and was reluctant, but followed Jesus’ instructions and laid hands on him. Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes and he regained his sight.
Saul was baptized and changed his name to Paul, and almost immediately began preaching in the synagogues that Jesus was the Son of God. He went on to make missionary journeys through southern Europe and Asia Minor, and converted many—especially among people who were not Jewish. Fourteen of his letters are preserved as part of the New Testament.
Paul was killed in Rome by beheading, the method of execution for Roman citizens, which is why he is often depicted with a sword (as he is with this window in the chapel of Morrissey Hall, shown above). His relics rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica, including part of the column where he was beheaded. His conversion is depicted in a stained glass window there.
St. Paul, apostle whose encounter with the persecuted Christ changed the course of your life and Christian history—pray for us!