Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: August 1, 2025

Date: Memorial of St. Alphonsus Liguori

Scripture Text:  Matthew 13:54-58

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.

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

The gospel reading for today from Matthew recounts the reception Jesus received when He visited his hometown. The people of His native place could not accept His teachings and works even though they were amazed by them because He was “familiar” to them. Where did Jesus get His knowledge and power?

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I fail to recognize the goodness and grace at work around me in familiar people and familiar places?

Praying:

LORD, Almighty Father, Beloved Son Jesus Christ, Most Holy Spirit, stir within us and among us and gift us with the ability to recognize You in our moments, in our midst, always present, always at work for our salvation. Grant that we may accept the gifts of others given by You and acknowledge your grace at work in others for love of You in service to You as they minister to us. Grant that we may heed your call and open ourselves to your will and the use of our gifts and lives for your glory. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.