Daily Gospel Reflection
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June 25, 2019
Jesus said to his disciples:
“Do not give what is holy to dogs, or throw your pearls before swine,
lest they trample them underfoot, and turn and tear you to pieces.
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.
This is the Law and the Prophets.
“Enter through the narrow gate;
for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction,
and those who enter through it are many.
How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life.
And those who find it are few.”
One of my strongest identities growing up was being a coach’s daughter. It was important to both my dad and me that our relationship did not give the impression that I was receiving a free pass in any way. Consequently, I developed daily disciplines—even completing shooting drills in my driveway in unfavorable ninety-degree heat—to ensure I was giving my best possible contribution to the team.
Inevitably, there were times I performed poorly, and I feared in those moments that others thought my dad placed me on the court only because I was his daughter. I felt significant pressure from others, but also, I realize, from myself. I knew I could not become transfixed on this pressure or—more importantly—let it affect how I treated those I felt judgement from.
I feel my identity as a coach’s daughter mirrors in some ways my most important identity as a daughter of God. While developing my relationship with God, I often practice disciplines that are uncomfortable or unpopular. As I strive to emulate God’s love, I can still fear judgment both from others and myself.
Part of the challenge of walking through the narrow gate is that our individual roads toward it are not identical. We must support each other with boundless love as we each navigate different struggles along our paths.
Today, I invite each of us to ask for strength and guidance in embracing our Christian identity to reflect God’s radical inclusivity and understanding to each other. Let us work, as Jesus did, to accompany our fellow sinners along the path as we strive to be saints in daily life. Today, I ask myself what grudges, judgments, or misunderstandings I need to overcome. How can I give to others the same abundant love I yearn for as we journey together toward the narrow gate?
Prayer
Eternal God, in your infinite wisdom you created us in your own divine image. When the darkness of sin blinds us, let your light shine forth and remind us of this great gift. May our words and deeds reflect this knowledge, and may your wisdom lead us ever closer to uniting all humanity into the body of Christ. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Saint of the Day
St. Eurosia is a local saint of Jaca, a Spanish town in the Pyrenees. Devotion to St. Eurosia has always centered around Jaca, but it spread into Northern Italy during the Middle Ages. As the Italian painting of her to the left demonstrates, place has always played an important part of Eruosia's images.
Eurosia's date of birth is unknown. Different legends cite the date of death from anywhere from the early eighth century to the late ninth century.
Eurosia's cult developed at a time of great animosity in northern Spain towards the southern, Muslim half of Spain. Eurosia was believed to have been either a French or Bohemian princess who was promised in marriage to a nobleman from the south.
Eurosia did not wish to marry, particularly since she did not want to marry a non-Christian, but rather wished to live her life in devotion to God. She ran away from her husband and escaped into the Pyrenees.
She was pursued and caught, but Eurosia invoked the help of heaven and a lightning bolt struck some of her captors. Eurosia was quickly executed, her limbs cut off, and beheaded.
Devotion to Eurosia grew when a shepherd discovered her relics in the eleventh century. As Jaca was a stop on the wildly popular Camino de Santiago, Eurosia grew in popularity, due to the steady stream of pilgrims visiting her relics. Perhaps it was due to pilgrims seeking spiritual healing or restoration that she became the patron intercessor of those experiencing demonic possession. Pope Leo XIII affirmed her cult in 1902.
St. Eurosia, intercessor for those who suffer from demonic possession—pray for us!
Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Eurosia is in the public domain. Last accessed March 6, 2025 on Wikimedia Commons.
