Daily Catholic Lectio
Fri, 31 July 2026
XVII Week in Ordinary Time
Saint Ignatius of Loyola, Memorial
Jer 26:1-9. Mt 13:54-58
Rejection in Hometown
Today’s liturgy of the Word tells us about two prophets who are opposed in their own hometown.
In the first reading, the prophet Jeremiah proclaims the word of God in the Temple of Jerusalem, the house of the Lord, according to the command of the Lord God. The people of Jerusalem are disturbed when they hear the words that Jeremiah speaks against the Temple and the city.
Jeremiah too belongs to the city of Jerusalem. The people think that he has spoken a prophecy against his own hometown. Therefore, they gather around him. Here, the message of Jeremiah becomes a stumbling block to the people of his own place.
In the Gospel reading, Jesus teaches in the synagogue of Nazareth, His own hometown. The people of His town are disturbed when they see His simple background.
In the first reading, the message is opposed.
In the Gospel reading, the one who proclaims the message is opposed.
The prejudices and desires of the people become obstacles to accepting God, the persons sent by God, and the message given by God.
Our simple background and familiarity often become stumbling blocks to our own people. Even if we believe in ourselves, and even if the whole world believes in us, our own people may still be disturbed by us.
Jeremiah and Jesus continue their mission with courage.
Today we remember Saint Ignatius of Loyola. He ordered his life and mission with the words: “All for the greater glory of God.” This saint invites us to desire “the greater” — the magis — in everything.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
A Yesni Prays Initiative
Yesu Karunanidhi 
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