The Catholic Calendar for Monday, September 4, 2006
Monday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Psalm 119:97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102
Luke 4:16-30

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

"And Jesus said, 'Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.'" (Luke 4:24)

What is it that is holding you back? Is there some small voice inside telling you than you can never be the person God created you to be or do the thing that God is calling you to do? In today's Gospel, we learn how it’s part of human nature to place limits on ourselves and others. To those who knew Jesus in Nazareth–-those who thought they knew him best--He was just the carpenter Joseph's son and nothing more. But those voices did not form the foundation of Christ's mission on Earth. Instead, Jesus listened to His Father's voice calling Him His beloved Son. (Luke 3:21-22)

Isn't it time that we too claimed our baptismal birthright as God's beloved children? And as Christ fearlessly did--liberate ourselves from the restrictions and assumptions that others may try to impose on our abilities and possibilities? All that really matters is that to the God who created us, we are limitless, powerful, precious and loved!

The entire bible--our Christian legacy--is a testament that everything is possible (in God) for those who are faithful. Today, let's look inside to the places where we have underestimated ourselves, and denied the power of the Spirit of God within us--to the times where we have alienated ourselves through a lack of faith. And then let us joyfully open our hearts and our minds, and allow His voice to drown out all others in our lives. And let us confidently enter into the temple of the Presence of God within us, for it is He to whom we belong.

- Anne
anne97 at gmail dot com