Category: Daily Reflections

Jesus “entered heaven itself that He might appear before God now on our behalf.” –Hebrews 9:24 If we had sinned only once, and if that lone sin was the most seemingly innocuous sin, we are still guilty of breaking God’s entire law (Jas 2:10). How could we then, with all our sins, ever get back into God’s good graces? Nothing we could do would ever satisfy, make up for, atone, or expiate that one sin, let alone all our sins. We have all sinned and are deprived of the glory of God (Rm 3:23). In our sinfulness, we are filthy...

“…entering the synagogue on the sabbath as He was in the habit of doing…” –Luke 4:16 For nearly thirty years, Jesus had habitually entered the synagogue on the sabbath to worship God (Lk 4:16). Then, on one special sabbath day, the time “of favor” came (Lk 4:19). On that day, the Holy Spirit anointed and sent Jesus out, Scriptures were fulfilled, Jesus prophesied in power, and was nearly killed (Lk 4:23ff). Since Jesus is the same today as He was then (Heb 13:8), He is working in power today, His day, the Lord’s Day. Therefore, we should never be comfortable...

“Paul, by the will of God an apostle of Christ Jesus sent to proclaim the promise of life in Him, to Timothy, my child whom I love.” –2 Timothy 1:1-2 St. Paul considered St. Timothy and St. Titus his spiritual children (2 Tm 1:2; Ti 1:4). Paul remembered them in his prayers “constantly, night and day” (2 Tm 1:3). When Paul and Timothy went their separate ways to serve the Lord, Timothy broke into tears (2 Tm 1:4). Paul felt so close to Titus that his very presence lifted Paul’s spirits (2 Cor 7:6). Both Timothy and Titus were accountable...

“The men who were traveling with [Saul] stood there speechless.” –Acts 9:7 The conversion of St. Paul is so spectacular, so sudden, and so unexpected that it leaves us awestruck at the sovereign majesty and converting power of the Lord Jesus. Because of the incomprehensible power of Jesus to convert anyone, even the worst of sinners like St. Paul (1 Tm 1:15), each one of us “shall stand speechless” in the sight of God (Is 52:15), “for nothing is impossible with God” (Lk 1:37). Therefore, today’s feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul is a sign of great hope for...

“Jesus has obtained a more excellent ministry now, just as He is Mediator of a better covenant.” –Hebrews 8:6 Today’s 7AM Mass had forty-three faithful worshippers. That’s a pretty good crowd for a morning Mass, but several million people live in the Greater Cincinnati area and most of them are not attending Mass today. Understandably, many are unable to fit Mass into their busy schedules, but others could make the time but are not attracted to Mass. Jesus is present at this Mass. He is present in the Holy Eucharist (Catechism, 1373). Miracles and healings are undoubtedly happening at this...