Daily Reflection

One of the greatest dangers in our spiritual life is becoming familiar with something so extraordinary that we stop being amazed by it.

In today’s First Reading, St. Paul is nearing the end of his life. He knows it. This isn’t the passionate young missionary setting out on a new adventure.

One of the most uncomfortable questions we can ask ourselves is this: What would it take for me to walk away from my faith? Most of us would like to think the answer is, “Nothing.

St. Paul writes today’s reading from prison. His are not the words of a man sitting comfortably in an office. These are the words of someone who has been rejected, beaten, imprisoned, and is now suffering because of the Gospel. Yet listen to what he says: “The word of God is not chained.”

One of the saddest things in life is not failing. It’s letting the fire go out. We all know what that feels like. There was a time when we were passionate about something.

In today’s Gospel, the Pharisees and Herodians think they have Jesus trapped.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of a vineyard. A landowner plants it, cares for it, leases it to tenants, and goes away.

On Trinity Sunday, many people expect the priest to explain one of the greatest mysteries of our faith. And while the Trinity is indeed a mystery, today’s second reading doesn’t begin with a theological explanation.

In today’s Gospel, the chief priests, scribes, and elders approach Jesus with what seems like a reasonable question: “By what authority are you doing these things?”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus approaches a fig tree looking for fruit. Finding none, He curses it. Then He enters the Temple and drives out those who have turned a house of prayer into a marketplace.

In today’s Gospel, we see a blind beggar named Bartimaeus sitting on the roadside while Jesus passes by. And honestly, Bartimaeus is surrounded by the kind of people we still meet today. People who tell him to be quiet.

The disciples are walking with Jesus toward Jerusalem. Jesus tells them plainly that He is going to suffer, be rejected, mocked, and killed. And right after hearing this… James and John ask for seats of honor.

In today’s Gospel, Peter says: “Jesus, we have given up everything and followed You.” You can almost hear the emotion underneath it. “Lord, was it worth it?”

Staying is harder than we think. It is easy to stay when things are joyful, when prayers are answered, when faith feels exciting.

In today’s Gospel, the disciples are gathered behind locked doors. And honestly, that image describes so many of us spiritually