Honor and Recognize the Divine Within Us

Dear brothers and sisters,

Today, we reflect on the profound messages found in Leviticus 23, Psalm 8, and Matthew 13:54-58. In Leviticus, God provided the Israelites with festivals to honor Him and remember their covenant. These seasons were not merely times of celebration; they were sacred moments to reconnect with the divine and recognize His presence in their lives.

Psalm 8 powerfully reminds us of our place in creation, proclaiming, “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” This rhetorical question invites us to reflect on our inherent dignity as children of God, created in His image. It emphasizes our responsibility to honor that gift by recognizing the divine spark within ourselves and others.

In Matthew’s Gospel, we encounter the people of Nazareth, who struggled to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. They were blinded by familiarity—unable to see beyond their perceptions of Him as merely the carpenter’s son. This narrative challenges us to consider: how often do we overlook the extraordinary in the ordinary?

Pope Francis eloquently states, “Every person is a gift, and a mission” (Pope Francis, “Amoris Laetitia”). Just as Jesus faced disbelief in His own hometown, we too can become susceptible to underestimating the value and potential of those around us.

Allow me to share a brief anecdote. A woman I know, Maria, spent years in a small community defined by mediocrity. Yet, she believed in the potential of her neighbors. Through acts of kindness, she helped them rediscover their talents. Over time, they flourished into artists, leaders, and mentors. Maria’s ability to see the divine within each individual transformed her community.

As we gather here today, let us embrace our calling to honor God through our actions and relationships. Let us seek to recognize the value in ourselves and each other, fostering an environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and loved.

As we reflect on these scriptures, I invite you to ponder two questions:

1. In what ways can I recognize and honor the divine within myself and those around me?
2. How can I choose to see beyond the ordinary and welcome the extraordinary possibilities in my relationships?

May we go forth inspired to celebrate the sacred in our midst and elevate the spirit of honor in our communities.

Amen.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Today, as we gather to commemorate St. Alphonse Liguori, a remarkable doctor of the Church and founder of the Redemptorist congregation, we reflect on the rich scriptural passages from Leviticus 23, Psalm 8, and Matthew 13:54-58. Each of these readings invites us to recognize the sacredness of God’s call in our lives and the inherent dignity we carry as children of God.

In Leviticus 23, God ordains festivals for His people. These sacred times are meant to celebrate His presence and remember His goodness. They remind us that our lives should be punctuated by moments of reflection, gratitude, and worship. St. Alphonse understood this well; he devoted his life to spreading the message of divine love and mercy, reflecting on how we are always called to return to God, especially through the sacraments.

Psalm 8 beautifully articulates our dignity as humans, exclaiming, “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” This awe-inspiring question prompts us to consider how we are created in the image and likeness of God. St. Alphonse lived this truth out profoundly. He spent much of his ministry emphasizing God’s infinite mercy and forgiveness, reminding us that no matter how far we stray, God eagerly awaits our return.

In Matthew 13:54-58, we encounter Jesus returning to His hometown, where familiarity breeds disbelief. The people struggled to see Him as the Messiah—their own carpenter. We often fall into similar traps in our own lives, unable to recognize the extraordinary in the seemingly ordinary. St. Alphonse faced rejection and skepticism in his ministry, but he persevered, believing that each soul is a treasure deserving of love and redemption.

Let me share a story from St. Alphonse’s life. One day, he met a young woman who felt unworthy due to her past. Instead of casting judgment, he listened and offered her compassion, reminding her that God sees her as worthy and beloved. This encounter transformed her, helping her to understand that God’s grace is available to all, regardless of their past mistakes.

As we honor St. Alphonse today, let us embrace our call to recognize and honor the divine within ourselves and others. May we strive to see Christ in the faces of those around us, especially those who feel marginalized or overlooked.

Reflect on these questions:

1. How can I embody the mercy and compassion of St. Alphonse Liguori in my interactions with others?
2. In what ways might I be overlooking the presence of Christ in my daily life or in those around me?

May our lives be marked by an abundance of love, understanding, and the recognition of our shared dignity in Christ. Amen.