Friday of the Seventeenth Week of Ordinary Time
“Jesus did not work many miracles there because of their lack of faith.” It distressed Jesus to see the lack of faith in the people there, though he knew and even said that prophets are rarely accepted in their own place or country.
It is clear that people were impressed with Jesus. They had heard of his words and his deeds, his miracles of healing. They were suspicious and unaccepting. They could not believe all that they saw. “Where did he get all this?” So, at that point, they were not able to let their faith in him grow. How often does that happen even still? Suspicions promote unacceptance. Unacceptance leads to rejection and more.
We come before the Lord this day with our cares and concerns — some perhaps with doubts, with struggles. We look to Jesus. And as we look to the Lord, let us look with confidence that the loving, provident hand of the Lord is with us, guiding us, calming our fears, and strengthening us in faith.
We celebrate the memorial of St. Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit Society of Jesus. He developed a method of spirituality to help people develop their life of faith and grow closer to Jesus. The Church is blessed with the Jesuit spirit and Ignatian spirituality.
May our faith be strengthened each time we celebrate the Eucharist and ponder the sacred mysteries. And as the Jesuit motto suggests: All for the greater glory of God.
Reflection by Fr. Peter Ullrich, OSB
Posted in Articles for Lent, Daily Reflections, Lenten Resources