Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament

Province of Saint Ann

St Ann Crown red

Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament

Province of Saint Ann

St Ann Crown red
Eymard stained glass window

Daily Eucharistic Reflections

March 4, 2024

In truth, I tell you, no prophet is ever accepted in his own country.

Earlier in Luke’s gospel, the assembly in the synagogue was initially amazed as they listened to Jesus quote scripture prophesying the coming of their savior. Once Jesus proclaims he is the Messiah, amazement turns to doubt as his hometown questions his identity. They knew him to be the son of Joseph—how can he possibly be the savior of the world?

Instead of performing miracles to prove his kingship, Jesus challenges their non-belief and reminds them this is not the first time the Hebrews would not listen to the prophets. At the mere mention of God’s work being carried out from the prophets to the Gentiles, Jesus has a riot on his hands. The Israelites have so idolized their image as the chosen people that their sense of entitlement blinds them, and thus reject Jesus all the way to the cross.

As Catholics, we believe that our faith is the one true faith. In the Apostles Creed, we proclaim our collective belief in the Holy Spirit, the holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Having recited this prayer since childhood, I assumed the “catholic church” referred to Catholicism and that God certainly favors Catholics. I realized the “c” in “catholic” is lowercase and, upon further study, actually translates to “universal.” God’s love is universal, and the call to follow him is an open invitation to all people, especially those suffering and most in need of his grace.

It is easy to misinterpret messages and misunderstand people, and it is even easier to feel anger and resentment when reality does not meet our expectations. Will you accept the fullness of God’s love for all people, including yourself?

Let Us Pray:

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins; save us from the fires of hell; lead all souls into heaven, especially those who are in most need of thy mercy. Amen.

 

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We are a Catholic religious congregation of priests, deacons and brothers whose mission is to share the riches of God’s love manifested in the Eucharist.

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