The Word from My Hermitage
Fr. Clint, O.P.
A daily reflection over the Gospel.
Episodes
The Courage to Say Yes to God
Jesus said to his disciples: “I tell you, everyone who acknowledges mebefore others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. Butwhoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God.Everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but the onewho blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.” Luke 12:8–10
The Blessedness of a Listening Heart
While Jesus was speaking, a woman from the crowd called out and said tohim, “Blessed is the womb that carried you and the breasts at which younursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God andobserve it.” Luke 12:4–5
The Key that Opens the Heart
“Woe to you, scholars of the law! You have taken away the key ofknowledge. You yourselves did not enter and you stopped those trying to enter.”When Jesus left, the scribes and Pharisees began to act with hostility towardhim and to interrogate him about many things, for they were plotting to catchhim at something he might say. Luke 11:52–54
The Finger that Lifts the Burden
Then one of the scholars of the law said to him in reply, “Teacher, bysaying this you are insulting us too.” And he said, “Woe also to you scholarsof the law! You impose on people burdens hard to carry, but you yourselves donot lift one finger to touch them.” Luke 11:45–46
The Heart Jesus Wants to Clean
After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home. Heentered and reclined at table to eat. The Pharisee was amazed to see that hedid not observe the prescribed washing before the meal. Luke 11:37–41
The Sign Already Given
While still more people gathered in the crowd, Jesus said to them, “Thisgeneration is an evil generation; it seeks a sign, but no sign will be givenit, except the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, sowill the Son of Man be to this generation.” Luke 11:29–30
The Invitation is Still Waiting
Jesus again in reply spoke to the chief priests and elders of the peoplein parables, saying, “The kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who gave awedding feast for his son. He dispatched his servants to summon the invitedguests to the feast, but they refused to come.” Matthew 22:1–14
The Blessedness of a Listening Heart
While Jesus was speaking, a woman fromthe crowd called out and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that carried you andthe breasts at which you nursed.” He replied, “Rather, blessed are those whohear the word of God and observe it.” Luke 11:27–28
The House Within: When Christ Gathers What Is Divided
When Jesus had driven out a demon, some of the crowd said: “By the powerof Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” Others, to test him,asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them,“Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fallagainst house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdomstand?” Luke 11:15–18
Keep Knocking; The Prayer That Refuses to Give Up
“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock andthe door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the onewho seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:9–10
Teach Us to Pray: The School of Mary - Our Lady of the Rosary
Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he had finished, one ofhis disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught hisdisciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be yourname, your Kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread and forgive us oursins for we ourselves forgive everyone in debt to us, and do not subject us tothe final test.” Luke 11:1–4
One Thing Necessary
Jesus entered a village where awoman whose name was Martha welcomed him. She had a sister named Mary who satbeside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak. Martha, burdened with muchserving, came to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has leftme by myself to do the serving? Tell her to help me.” Luke 10:38–40
The Courage to Come Near
Jesus replied, “A man fell victim to robbers as he went down fromJerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving himhalf-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him,he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise, a Levite came to the place, andwhen he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan travelerwho came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight.” Luke 10:30–33
The Stone We Keep Rejecting
Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the Scriptures: The stonethat the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has thisbeen done, and it is wonderful in our eyes? Therefore, I say to you, thekingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people that willproduce its fruit.” Matthew 21:42–43
The Deeper Joy: Ydour Name is Written in Heaven
The seventy-two disciples returned rejoicing and said to Jesus, “Lord,even the demons are subject to us because of your name.” Jesus said, “I haveobserved Satan fall like lightning from the sky. Behold, I have given you thepower ‘to tread upon serpents and scorpions and upon the full force of theenemy and nothing will harm you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice because thespirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written inheaven.” Luke 10:17–20
Their Angels Behold the Face of My Father
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to youthat their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father.”Matthew 18:10
Lambs Among Wolves: The Little Way of Mission
Jesus appointed seventy-two other disciples whom he sent ahead of him inpairs to every town and place he intended to visit. He said to them, “Theharvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvestto send out laborers for his harvest. Go on your way; behold, I am sending youlike lambs among wolves.” Luke 10:1–3
Nowhere to Rest His Head
As Jesus and his disciples were proceeding on their journey, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus answered him, “Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head.” Luke 9:57–58
You are not Alone: Heaven is Nearer than You Think
Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” John 1:47–49
The Freedom of Becoming Small
An argument arose among the disciples about which of them was the greatest. Jesus realized the intention of their hearts and took a child and placed it by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. For the one who is least among all of you is the one who is the greatest. Luke 9:46–48
The God Who Waits for Our Second Yes
Jesus said to the chief priests and elders of the people: “What is your opinion? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go out and work in the vineyard today.’ He said in reply, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards changed his mind and went. The man came to the other son and gave the same order. He said in reply, ‘Yes, sir,’ but did not go. Which of the two did his father’s will?” Matthew 21:28–31
When We are Afraid to Ask Jesus
While they were all amazed at his every deed, Jesus said to his disciples, “Pay attention to what I am telling you. The Son of Man is to be handed over to men.” But they did not understand this saying; its meaning was hidden from them so that they should not understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying. Luke 9:43b–45
When Jesus Becomes More Than A Name
Once when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” They said in reply, “John the Baptist; others, Elijah; still others, ‘One of the ancient prophets has arisen.’” Then he said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter said in reply, “The Christ of God.” Luke 9:18–20
The Desire to See Jesus
Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was happening, and he was greatly perplexed because some were saying, “John has been raised from the dead”; others were saying, “Elijah has appeared”; still others, “One of the ancient prophets has arisen.” But Herod said, “John I beheaded. Who then is this about whom I hear such things?” And he kept trying to see him. Luke 9:7–9
Take Nothing for the Journey
Jesus summoned the Twelve and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. He said to them, “Take nothing for the journey, neither walking stick, nor sack, nor food, nor money, and let no one take a second tunic.” Luke 9:1–6
When the Word Becomes Our Life
The mother of Jesus and his brothers came to him but were unable to join him because of the crowd. He was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside and they wish to see you.” He said to them in reply, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and act on it.” Luke 8:19–21
The Gaze that Calls Us Home: Feast of St. Matthew
As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.” Matthew 9:9
When Grace Refuses to Keep Score
Jesus told his disciples this parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out at dawn to hire laborers for his vineyard. After agreeing with them for the usual daily wage, he sent them into his vineyard. Matthew 20:1–16
Becoming the Soil God can Use
When a large crowd gathered, with people from one town after another journeying to Jesus, he spoke in a parable. “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path and was trampled, and the birds of the sky ate it up. Some seed fell on rocky ground, and when it grew, it withered for lack of moisture. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew with it and choked it. And some seed fell on good soil, and when it grew, it produced fruit a hundredfold.” Luke 8:4–8
Those Who Walk with Jesus
Jesus journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out, Joanna, the wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, Susanna, and many others who provided for them out of their resources. Luke 8:1–3
When Tears Become Prayers
A certain Pharisee invited Jesus to dine with him, and he entered the Pharisee’s house and reclined at table. Now there was a sinful woman in the city who learned that he was at table in the house of the Pharisee. Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment, she stood behind him at his feet weeping and began to bathe his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment. Luke 7:36–50
When God's Music Changes
Jesus said to the crowds: “To what shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children who sit in the marketplace and call to one another, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance. We sang a dirge, but you did not weep.’” Luke 7:31–35
When the Sword Pierces the Heart: Memorial of Our Lady of Sorrows
Jesus’ father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is destined for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be contradicted and you yourself a sword will pierce so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2:33–35
When the Cross is Lifted High: Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Jesus said to Nicodemus: “No one has gone up to heaven except the one who has come down from heaven, the Son of Man. And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the desert, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” John 3:13–15
The Debt We Could Never Repay
“That is why the kingdom of heaven may be likened to a king who decided to settle accounts with his servants. When he began the accounting, a debtor was brought before him who owed him a huge amount. Since he had no way of paying it back, his master ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, his children, and all his property, in payment of the debt.” Matthew 18:23–25
The Fruit Reeveals the Tree
Jesus said to his disciples: “A good tree does not bear rotten fruit, nor does a rotten tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For people do not pick figs from thornbushes, nor do they gather grapes from brambles.” Luke 6:43–44
Who is leading My Heart?
Jesus told his disciples a parable: “Can a blind person guide a blind person? Will not both fall into a pit?” Luke 6:39
The Freedom to Love Beyond Wounds
Jesus said to his disciples: “To you who hear I say, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. To the person who strikes you on one cheek, offer the other one as well, and from the person who takes your cloak, do not withhold even your tunic. Give to everyone who asks of you, and from the one who takes what is yours do not demand it back.” Luke 6:27–30
The Secret Blessedness of an Empty Heart
“Blessed are you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. Blessed are you who are now hungry, for you will be satisfied. Blessed are you who are now weeping, for you will laugh. Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude and insult you, and denounce your name as evil on account of the Son of Man. Rejoice and leap for joy on that day! Behold, your reward will be great in heaven.” Luke 6:20–23
The Dawn Before the Sunrise: The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
“Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home. For it is through the Holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her. She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21
The Hand that was Hidden
On a certain sabbath Jesus went into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man there whose right hand was withered. The scribes and the Pharisees watched him closely to see if he would cure on the sabbath so that they might discover a reason to accuse him. But he realized their intentions and said to the man with the withered hand, “Come up and stand before us.” And he rose and stood there. Luke 6:6–8
The Quiet Courage of Reconciliation
Jesus said to his disciples: “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.” Matthew 18:15
The Lord of the Sabbath: Discovering the Heart of God
While Jesus was going through a field of grain on a sabbath, his disciples were picking the heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands, and eating them. Some Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the sabbath?” Luke 6:1–2
When the Bridegroom is Near
The scribes and Pharisees said to Jesus, “The disciples of John the Baptist fast often and offer prayers, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same; but yours eat and drink.” Jesus answered them, “Can you make the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, and when the bridegroom is taken away from them, then they will fast in those days.” Luke 5:33–35
Into the Deep: Where Grace Waits
While the crowd was pressing in on Jesus and listening to the word of God, he was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret. He saw two boats there alongside the lake; the fishermen had disembarked and were washing their nets. Getting into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, he asked him to put out a short distance from the shore. Then he sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. After he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water and lower your nets for a catch.” Luke 5:1–4
When Grace Enters the House
After Jesus left the synagogue, he entered the house of Simon. Simon’s mother-in-law was afflicted with a severe fever, and they interceded with him about her. He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and waited on them. Luke 4:38–39
The Voice that must be Silenced
In the synagogue there was a man with the spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out in a loud voice, “What have you to do with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” Jesus rebuked him and said, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” Then the demon threw the man down in front of them and came out of him without doing him any harm. Luke 4:33–35
The Quiet Strength of Passing Through
When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away. Luke 4:28–30
The Cross Behind the Rebuke
“Get behind me, Satan! You are an obstacle to me. You are thinking not as God does, but as human beings do.” Matthew 16:23
The Courage to Speak the Truth: Memorial of the Passion of St. John the Baptist
Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Mark 6:17–19