The Catholic daily readings are taken in a semi-continuous manner from various books of the Old and New Testaments. So far, our first readings, from the Old Testament, have taken us through Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, and Ruth. This past week, and for the next few weeks, our first readings are taken from the various letters in the New Testament. But don’t worry, we will return to the Old Testament on September 22nd when we pick up with the Book of Ezra.
The weekday Gospel readings follow one of two yearly cycles from January 1 to December 31. Odd numbered years (like 2025) use cycle 1, while even numbered years use cycle 2. Each of the three Synoptic Gospels is read for part of the year:
Mark Weeks 1-9
Matthew Weeks 10-21
Luke Weeks 22-34
The weekday cycle comprises readings only in Ordinary Time. The other seasons, Advent, Christmas time, Lent, and Easter have their own readings. For instance, selections from John’s Gospel are read outside of Ordinary Time and on specific feasts.
So back to our Daily Reflection. In today’s Gospel (Luke 4:31-37) Jesus speaks and acts with authority: “He taught them on the sabbath, and they were astonished at His teaching because He spoke with authority.” And again, “What is there about His word? For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out.”
Where does Jesus get this authority? From his most dear Father! Jesus loved his Father and lived in continual communion with Him. All his words and all His deeds flowed from this communion: “The Father and I are one.”
And Jesus was not naïve, nor should we be, about the presence of evil in the world. He was continually assaulted by evil forces and evil spirits, forces that eventually led to his crucifixion. In spite of this, he never yielded to despair, always remaining confident in the Father’s love and care. His anguished cry on the cross, “My God, my God, why have You abandoned Me,” reveals the depth of His anguish; but His final sigh uncovers the depth of His trust, “Father, into Your hands I commend my spirit.”
We need Jesus’ example of trust in God. Often our world seems more dominated by evil forces destructive of human life and dignity than by forces supporting human life. We may even wonder whether the power of evil is stronger than the power of good.
Our challenge is the same as Jesus’: to live in communion with God, our most dear Father. The Father is the creator and sustainer of the universe. The world is in God’s hands! As we allow ourselves to be aligned more and more with God’s power we become increasingly convinced, as was St. Paul, that “nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord,” and that the power of good in us is stronger than the power of evil.
May God Bless You and Grant You His Peace!