Podcasts about blessed virgin mary

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, body and soul, into heaven was something which God did. Listen to learn more! Podcast by Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR.

Saturday Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham:Liber generationis Jesu Christi filii David, filii Abraham. 2 Abraham begot Isaac. And Isaac begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Judas and his brethren.Abraham genuit Isaac. Isaac autem genuit Jacob. Jacob autem genuit Judam, et fratres ejus. 3 And Judas begot Phares and Zara of Thamar. And Phares begot Esron. And Esron begot Aram.Judas autem genuit Phares, et Zaram de Thamar. Phares autem genuit Esron. Esron autem genuit Aram. 4 And Aram begot Aminadab. And Aminadab begot Naasson. And Naasson begot Salmon.Aram autem genuit Aminadab. Aminadab autem genuit Naasson. Naasson autem genuit Salmon. 5 And Salmon begot Booz of Rahab. And Booz begot Obed of Ruth. And Obed begot Jesse.Salmon autem genuit Booz de Rahab. Booz autem genuit Obed ex Ruth. Obed autem genuit Jesse. Jesse autem genuit David regem. 6 And Jesse begot David the king. And David the king begot Solomon, of her that had been the wife of Urias.David autem rex genuit Salomonem ex ea quae fuit Uriae. 7 And Solomon begot Roboam. And Roboam begot Abia. And Abia begot Asa.Salomon autem genuit Roboam. Roboam autem genuit Abiam. Abias autem genuit Asa. 8 And Asa begot Josaphat. And Josaphat begot Joram. And Joram begot Ozias.Asa autem genuit Josophat. Josophat autem genuit Joram. Joram autem genuit Oziam. 9 And Ozias begot Joatham. And Joatham begot Achaz. And Achaz begot Ezechias.Ozias autem genuit Joatham. Joatham autem genuit Achaz. Achaz autem genuit Ezechiam. 10 And Ezechias begot Manasses. And Manasses begot Amon. And Amon begot Josias.Ezechias autem genuit Manassen. Manasses autem genuit Amon. Amon autem genuit Josiam. 11 And Josias begot Jechonias and his brethren in the transmigration of Babylon.Josias autem genuit Jechoniam, et fratres ejus in transmigratione Babylonis. 12 And after the transmigration of Babylon, Jechonias begot Salathiel. And Salathiel begot Zorobabel.Et post transmigrationem Babylonis : Jechonias genuit Salathiel. Salathiel autem genuit Zorobabel. 13 And Zorobabel begot Abiud. And Abiud begot Eliacim. And Eliacim begot Azor.Zorobabel autem genuit Abiud. Abiud autem genuit Eliacim. Eliacim autem genuit Azor. 14 And Azor begot Sadoc. And Sadoc begot Achim. And Achim begot Eliud.Azor autem genuit Sadoc. Sadoc autem genuit Achim. Achim autem genuit Eliud. 15 And Eliud begot Eleazar. And Eleazar begot Mathan. And Mathan begot Jacob.Eliud autem genuit Eleazar. Eleazar autem genuit Mathan. Mathan autem genuit Jacob. 16 And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.Jacob autem genuit Joseph virum Mariae, de qua natus est Jesus, qui vocatur Christus.The holy Patriarch Joachim was the husband of St Anne, and the father of our Lady. This feast, originally kept on March 20, was transferred to the day following the Assumption, in order to associate the Blessed daughter and her holy father in triumph.

Msgr. Esseff reflects on the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and what death really means. Reading 21 COR 15:20-27 Brothers and sisters: Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through man, the resurrection of the dead came also through man. For just as in Adam all die, so too in Christ shall all be brought to life, but each one in proper order: Christ the firstfruits; then, at his coming, those who belong to Christ; then comes the end, when he hands over the Kingdom to his God and Father, when he has destroyed every sovereignty and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death, for “he subjected everything under his feet.” The post The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Building a Kingdom of Love with Msgr. John Esseff – Discerning Hearts Podcasts appeared first on Discerning Hearts Catholic Podcasts.

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Dr. Shane Owens. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Solemnity, Holy Day of Obligation First Reading: Revelation 11: 19a; 12: 1-6a, 10ab Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 45: 10, 11, 12, 16 Second Reading: First Corinthians 15: 20-27 Gospel: Luke 1: 39-56   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships 

Mary's proclamation of praise inspires us to rejoice in the saving power of God at work in our lives. (Lectionary #622) August 15, 2025 - Cathedral Rectory - Superior, WI Fr. Andrew Ricci - www.studyprayserve.com  

Gospel Luke 1:39-56 Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.” And Mary said: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name. He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, and has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he has remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.” Mary remained with her about three months and then returned to her home. Reflection I want to talk about the feast of the assumption. Mary did not die a physical death, but she was fully human. And her destiny was to one day be with God in heaven. A feminine figure standing next to Jesus and God. And between them is flowing the love of the Holy Spirit, and what she does over and over again is breaks into our imaginations, into our world, with message after message that flows from her heart. She cares. She worries about us. She encourages us. She's always there to help. What a gift. What a beautiful way for the one who brought God into the world. That she now stands with him. Closing Prayer Father, bless us with the awareness of the fullness of all that we are taught about who you are and how the world works. To have one of our own. One human being in heaven working for us. Loving us. Teaching us is such a gift. Help us never to lose sight of it. And we ask this in Jesus' name, Amen. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

O loving God,you raised the Blessed Virgin Mary, body and soul,into the glory of heaven,a sign of hope and comfort for your pilgrim people.Through her Assumption,you show us the destiny that awaits all who faithfully follow Christ:a life of eternal joy in your loving presence.Mary, our Mother and Queen,intercede for us today.Help us to live with hearts turned toward heaven,seeking always to do God's will with humility and trust.Teach us to say “yes” to God, as you did,to bring Christ into the world through our words and actions,and to love with a generous and pure heart.May we one day share in your joy,gathered together in the fullness of God's kingdom.We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Friends of the Rosary,Today, August 15, toward the end of the summer season, the Church of Christ celebrates the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, when the faithful proclaim that she was taken up, body and soul, into heaven.It's a Holy Day of Obligation and the oldest feast day of Our Lady.Its origin is in the early days of Jerusalem, when one of the memories about the Blessed Mother centered around the “Tomb of Mary,” close to Mount Zion, where she was buried, and the early Christian community had lived. It's the spot where Mary's “falling asleep.”Mary expired in the presence of the apostles, and when her tomb was opened later, it was found empty, and so the apostles concluded that the body was taken up into the heavenly home.Therefore, from the beginning, there were no relics of Mary to be venerated. That location also soon became a place of pilgrimage, and the “Memory of Mary” was being celebrated. Today, the Benedictine Abbey of the Dormition of Mary stands on the spot.In the seventh century, this feast began to be celebrated in Rome under the title of the “Falling Asleep” (“Dormitio”) of the Mother of God.Later, it was to become our feast of the Assumption.In 1950, Pope Pius XII solemnly proclaimed the dogma of the Assumption, a truth revealed by God, with these words: “The Immaculate Mother of God, the ever-virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heaven.”The Assumption looks to eternity and gives us hope that we, too, will follow Our Lady when our life is ended.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• August 15, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Assumed? There's precedence.

On today's episode, Johnnette Williams gives glory to God our Lady on the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and for EWTN on their 44th anniversary! Listeners call in to express their gratitude for Mother Angelica, the network, and most importantly, the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Join Father Kevin Drew as he preaches on this Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Today's readings First Reading: Revelation 11:19A; 12:1-6A, 10AB Psalm: Psalm 45:10, 11, 12, 16 Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:20-27 Gospel: Luke 1:39-56 Catholic Radio Network

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Join Fr Rob as he reflects on the Sunday Gospel readings and how we can apply these reflections to our lives today. The Assumption Of The Blessed Virgin Mary Gospel: Luke 1:39-56

Why must Mary, our Virgin Mother and the Mother of God, be human? Why is it necessary that she not die? Learn the answer to these questions and more in today's homily podcast with Msgr. James Watkins, our pastor.

Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven Friday of the 19th Week in Ordinary Time Office of Readings and Morning Prayer for 8/15/25 Gospel: Luke 1:39:56

ROSARY - GLORIOUS MYSTERIES today (for the Assumption).  DIVINE MERCY CHAPLET for Friday.

The Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary 8-15-25 Fr. Filipski

The St. Paul Center's daily scripture reflections from the Mass for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary by Dr. Shane Owens. Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Solemnity, Holy Day of Obligation First Reading: Revelation 11: 19a; 12: 1-6a, 10ab Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 45: 10, 11, 12, 16 Second Reading: First Corinthians 15: 20-27 Gospel: Luke 1: 39-56   Learn more about the Mass at www.stpaulcenter.com To encounter Christ in Scripture and share Him with others. Join us at stpaulcenter.com/memberships 

Celebrate the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary with The Morning Blend. Throughout today's show Brenda and Brian tell you more about this feast and give you all the news of the day.Subscribe to the Morning Blend on your favorite podcast platform.Find this show on the free Hail Mary Media App, along with a radio live-stream, prayers, news, and more.Look through past episodes or support this podcast.The Morning Blend is a production of Mater Dei Radio in Portland, Oregon.

Hail Mary full of grace!

Homily by Fr. Michael Renninger

15 August 2025

Read Online“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me and holy is his Name.”  Luke 1:46–49Today we celebrate one of seventeen different memorials, feasts and solemnities in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary that are found on the Roman Liturgical Calendar. Today's celebration is one of the four great Solemnities by which our Blessed Mother is honored. Obviously, no other person other than our Lord is honored and celebrated with as much solemnity as the Mother of God.The Solemnity of the Assumption honors the fact that when the Blessed Virgin Mary completed her life on earth, she was taken body and soul into Heaven to be with her resurrected Son so as to adore the Most Holy Trinity forever. It's an amazing fact to consider that she retains her body and soul, united as one in Heaven, in anticipation of that glorious day when the new Heavens and Earth will be created and when all the faithful will rise so as to live in a new bodily form forever with God.Though this dogma of our faith had been held and believed by the faithful from the earliest times of our Church, especially since it was witnessed by those closest to our Blessed Mother at the time of her glorious Assumption, it wasn't until November 1, 1950, that Pope Pius XII solemnly proclaimed it to be so, raising this teaching of our faith to the level of a dogma, meaning, it must be held and believed by all. In part, the Holy Father declared, “...we pronounce, declare, and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma: that the Immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”The Gospel passage quoted above comes from the beginning of Mary's song of praise, her Magnificat, by which she not only gives the greatest glory to God but also reveals who she is. She is the one whom “all generations” will call “blessed.” She is the one for whom “the Almighty has done great things.” She is the one who will eternally proclaim “the greatness of the Lord” and whose spirit will forever rejoice in God her Savior. And she is that lowliest of servants whom God has raised up to the greatest glory.Reflect, today, with the whole Church, upon the Most Glorious Ever-Virgin Mary who was conceived without sin, remained sinless throughout her life, and was taken body and soul into Heaven where she now adores the Most Holy Trinity and intercedes for you and for the whole Church. This is a Solemnity of great rejoicing! Share in this joy with the whole Church and with all the saints in Heaven! Most glorious and Ever-Virgin Mary, I rejoice today with you and with the whole Church for the most glorious things that God has done for you. You are beauty beyond beauty, Immaculate in every way, and worthy of our deepest love. As you now share body and soul in the glories of Heaven, please pray for me and for all your dear children on earth. Cover us with your mantle of love and pour forth the mercy of God upon us always. Mother Mary, assumed into Heaven, pray for us who have recourse to thee. Jesus, I trust in You.  Image: Peter Paul Rubens, Public domain, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.

Mary's inner freedom - Fr. Lucas Laborde. Click here for today's readings.What do you find striking about Mary's words and actions in this gospel? What elements here lead you to think of Mary as someone who was ready for heaven, even as she walked this earth? What does the Lord want you to learn from her example?

Starting the morning off with God is the key to strength and success in your day!Join me in praying the Catholic morning offering, as well as hear meditations, learn about the saint of the day,  and hear today's Scripture readings from Holy Mass.To sign up to receive a daily email of the Morning Offering through The Catholic Company, go to https://www.morningoffering.com/Excerpts from the English translation of The Roman Missal © 2010, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.The Morning Glory Consecration Prayer is excerpted from "33 Days to Morning Glory:  A Do-It-Yourself Retreat in Preparation for Marian Consecration" by Michael E. Gaitley, MIC, © 2011 Marian Fathers of the Immaculate Conception of the B.V.M., p. 137.If you have any comments, please email me at Deanna.pierre25@gmail.com.Support the show

The Ark of the Covenant, thought to be lost at the time of the Babylonian Conquest, is as it turns out, not so lost. Read Revelation 11:19 and following. Learn about the scriptural basis for the dogma of the Assumption. 199. In what way is the Blessed Virgin Mary the eschatological icon of the Church? Looking upon Mary, who is completely holy and already glorified in body and soul, the Church contemplates in her what she herself is called to be on earth and what she will be in the homeland of heaven. Music "Ave Maria" performed by Gina McCann and Russ Ronnebaum pursuant to One License A-726294.

Maria Morera Johnson and Allison Gingras discuss summer serenity and embracing the Rosary. Maria and Allison discuss the winding down of summer and looking forward to a Fall reset while embracing the beauty of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary,   Links for this Episode:  Read all articles by Allison Gingras Allison's new book, Jesus Heals Read all articles by Maria Morera Johnson Maria's new book, A Beautiful Second Act

The Blessed Virgin Mary's Assumption of her body and soul into Heaven makes very clear to us that there is room for our humanity in Heaven. Don't miss today's edition of Open Line Tuesday with Fr. Wade Menezes.

In part 6 of our series on the 21 Ecumenical Councils, Justin Hibbard discusses what happened at the 3rd council - The Council of Ephesus. Now that Arianism was finally dying out, what was the major debate happening among Churches? How did tensions between the major hubs of Christianity play a role in the theological divisions? And how did the understanding of the Blessed Virgin Mary help settle this Christological debate? HOW TO SUPPORT THIS PODCAST* Become a free subscriber or a patron of Why Catholic? and get the next episode and a discount code to the Why Catholic Etsy shop in your email inbox.* Check out the Why Catholic Etsy shop (all proceeds support this podcast).* Invite Justin to speak at your next event. Inquire at whycatholic@substack.com.SOCIAL LINKS* Follow Why Catholic on Instagram.* Subscribe to Why Catholic on YouTube.SOURCES:* Map of the Roman Empire in 5th Century* The Ecumenical Councils of the Catholic Church: A History by Joseph Kelly* The First Seven Ecumenical Councils (325-787): Their History and Theology by Leo Davis* History of the Popes Podcast (Series on West Meets East - beginning with episode 52)* Council of Ephesus | Church Councils Explained (Part 3)* New Advent: First Council of Ephesus* Papal Encyclicals Online: Council of EphesusPREVIOUS EPISODES IN THIS SERIES* Episode 146: Introduction to the 21 Ecumenical Councils* Episode 147: The World that Led to the Council of Nicaea* Episode 148: The First Council of Nicaea (325)* Episode 149: From Nicaea to Constantinople* Episode 150: The First Council of Constantinople (381) Get full access to Why Catholic? at whycatholic.substack.com/subscribe

We're getting ready for the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary this week on Roadmap to Heaven. Today Adam visits with Nori Fahrig from the women's sacred music ensemble Polyhymnia to learn about an upcoming concert of Marian music. Fr. Tom Keller joins Adam to continue a series of reflections on the Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary. Fr. Chris Comerford reflects on today's Gospel to close out the episode. Download the Covenant Network app today! Pray the Visual Rosary at VisualRosary.org For more information on Covenant Network, visit OurCatholicRadio.org

The Church teaches that the Blessed Virgin Mary, upon her death, was assumed into Heaven by the power of God. But how do we explain the Assumption, if we can't find direct evidence of it in the Bible? Join Fr. Chris Alar, MIC, as he reveals how Scripture, Sacred Apostolic Tradition, and the Magisterium guide us Catholics in our way of life. 

Friends of the Rosary,Today, August 8, is the Memorial of St. Dominic of Guzman, who received the devotion of the Holy Rosary from the Blessed Virgin Mary. To St. Dominic is attributed the origin and spread of the holy rosary.As many Popes have historically stated, St. Dominic received the Rosary as a gift from the Blessed Virgin Mary during a vision in a forest near Toulouse, France, in 1206, on the feast of Saint Mary Magdalene, to help combat the Albigensian heresy, which denied the goodness of the material world and the divinity of Christ.The saint and his Dominican Order, which he founded in 1215, actively promoted the Rosary, encouraging its use for both personal prayer and communal practice. He used it as a tool for evangelization and spiritual growth.Since the 15th and 16th centuries, many Dominicans have spread this devotion and remain to this day the chief promoters of the devotion around the world.For example, it was a Dominican pope, St. Pius V, who promoted the Rosary and instituted the Feast of Our Lady of Victory in 1571 (later renamed the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary in 1573 by Pope Gregory XIII).The Rosary remains a staple of Roman Catholic piety and is a favorite of many Catholics around the world.Alongside the Franciscans, the Dominicans became the most powerful Order in medieval times, giving the Church illustrious preachers, St. Vincent Ferrer, and contemplatives, Sts. Thomas of Aquinas and Pius V, and contributing immeasurably to maintaining the purity of the faith.Through the example of apostolic poverty and the preaching of the word of God, the Dominican Order was to lead men to Christ.Today, it's also important to remember that St. Dominic's mother, Blessed Jane (Joan or Joanna) of Aza, was beatified by Pope Leo XII in 1828, recognized for her example of motherly holiness, her charity to the poor, and miracles.As preserved in the Breviary: "During pregnancy, Dominic's mother dreamed she was carrying in her womb a little dog that held a burning torch between its teeth; and when she had given birth, it set the whole world on fire. By this dream, it was made manifest beforehand how Dominic would inflame the nations to the practice of Christian virtue through the brightness of his holy example and the fiery ardor of his preaching." The second son of Blessed Jane (Joan or Joanna) of Aza, Mannes, would follow his younger brother in the Order of Preachers, and later beatified.Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!Come, Holy Spirit, come!To Jesus through Mary!Here I am, Lord; I come to do your will.Please give us the grace to respond with joy!+ Mikel Amigot w/ María Blanca | RosaryNetwork.com, New YorkEnhance your faith with the new Holy Rosary University app:Apple iOS | New! Android Google Play• ⁠August 8, 2025, Today's Rosary on YouTube | Daily broadcast at 7:30 pm ET

Episode 186 - Join Nathaniel Rhea and guest Owen Duckett as they explore the inspiring life of St. Maximilian Kolbe. From his early encounter with the Blessed Virgin Mary to his ultimate sacrifice at Auschwitz, discover how Kolbe's unwavering faith and love for others left a lasting impact on the world.

Today The Morning Blend celebrates the Feast of St. Dominic. Did you know that the Blessed Virgin Mary designed their habit? Hear the story plus Brenda and Brian have more news, sports and your weather update. Subscribe to the Morning Blend on your favorite podcast platform.Find this show on the free Hail Mary Media App, along with a radio live-stream, prayers, news, and more.Look through past episodes or support this podcast.The Morning Blend is a production of Mater Dei Radio in Portland, Oregon.

End your day with calm and grace through this peaceful night prayer. In this follow-along bedtime prayer, we entrust ourselves to God's care, give thanks for the blessings of the day, and ask for restful sleep under the protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary.Let this be a gentle companion as you quiet your mind and heart before sleep.Subscribe to RosaryMinded for daily prayers, Rosaries, and spiritual comfort.#EveningPrayer #BedtimePrayer #RosaryMinded #NightPrayer #CatholicPrayer #PeacefulPrayer

Today's Topics: 1) Gospel - Matthew 14:22-36 - Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede Him to the other side of the sea, while He dismissed the crowds. After doing so, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. When it was evening He was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, He came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to Him in reply, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His Hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did Him homage, saying, “Truly, You are the Son of God.” After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized Him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to Him all those who were sick and begged Him that they might touch only the tassel on His cloak, and as many as touched it were healed. Memorial of the Dedication of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome Bishop Sheen quote of the day 2, 3, 4) Joshua Charles on why protestants have such an aversion to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Read OnlineJesus 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?” Matthew 13:54Today's Gospel goes on to say that the people in Jesus' hometown of Nazareth took offense at Him, which led Jesus to say, “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place and in his own house.” It is somewhat surprising that they took offense at Jesus after witnessing His wisdom and mighty deeds. Jesus was very familiar to the townspeople, and it seems that that familiarity led them to doubt that Jesus was someone special.It should be noted that, in many ways, the people who knew Jesus for many years should have been the first people to see His greatness. And most likely there were some from His hometown who did. They would have known Jesus' mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and she would have given daily witness to incredible virtues. They would have known Joseph as a truly righteous and just man. And Jesus would have exuded every human virtue to perfection as He grew. And again, that should have been easily noticeable. But many failed to see the holiness of Jesus and the Holy Family.This experience of our Lord should remind us that it is easy to miss the presence of God all around us. If those who were closest to Jesus did not recognize Him as a man of exceptional virtue and holiness, then how much more might we fail to see the presence of God in the lives of those we encounter every day? For some reason, perhaps because of our struggles with pride and anger, it is easier to look at the faults of another than at their virtues. It's easy to be critical of them and to dwell upon their perceived weaknesses and sins. But this Gospel story should encourage us to do all we can to look beyond the surface and to see God present in every life we encounter.On the most fundamental level, God dwells within each and every person He has created. Even those who remain in a state of persistent mortal sin are still made in the image of God and reflect God by their very nature. And we must see this. And those who are in a state of grace carry the presence of God, not only within themselves by nature but also through God's action in their lives. Every virtue that every person has is there because God is at work in them. And we must work to see this divine activity in their lives.Begin by thinking about the people with whom you are closest. When you think about them, what comes to mind? Over the years, we can build habits of dwelling upon others' faults. And those habits are hard to break. But they can only be broken by intentionally seeking out the presence of God in their lives. As noted, if Jesus' own townspeople had a difficult time doing this with Him Who was perfect, then this should tell us that it will be even harder for us to do with those who lack perfection. But it must be done and is a very holy endeavor. Reflect, today, upon the important mission you have been given to see the presence of God in the lives of those all around you. What if Jesus had grown up in your town? As your neighbor? And though the Incarnate Son of God does not live next door as He did in Nazareth, He does live in each and every person you encounter every day. Honestly reflect upon how well you see Him and commit yourself to the holy mission of seeing Him more clearly so that you can rejoice in His greatness which is truly manifest all around you. My Lord of true greatness, You are truly present all around me. You are alive and living in the lives of those whom I encounter every day. Please give me the eyes of faith to see You and a heart that loves You. Help me to overlook the faults and weaknesses of others. Jesus, I trust in You.Image: See page for author, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsSource of content: catholic-daily-reflections.comCopyright © 2025 My Catholic Life! Inc. All rights reserved. Used with permission via RSS feed.