Scripture
Matthew 13: 54-58
Jesus came to his hometown and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?” And they took offense at him.
But Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor except in their own country and in their own house.” And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Ignatian Reflection
Stuck in Our Preconceptions
Matthew’s Gospel story of people taking offense at Jesus while preaching in his hometown seems strange and at the same time revealing of human nature. We knew him when he was just a little boy! We know things about his relatives! And all the while, his townfolk failed to see the Son of God in their midst.
On today’s feast of St. Ignatius of Loyola, we can imagine the saint’s hometown crowd scoffing at his eventual sanctity. The young Ignatius was a romanticist with dreams of military glory before the cannonball struck and he began a slow, arduous journey of conversion which ultimately changed the world.
“Every saint has a past and every sinner has a future,” goes the well-worn adage. Even Jesus, who was never a sinner, had a family history and a humble hometown. How often do we judge someone on our own prejudices and preconceptions?
—Effie Caldarola has a master’s degree in pastoral studies from Seattle University. She was a longtime columnist for Catholic News Service and now writes for OSV.
Ignatian Prayer
Jul 31, 2026
Prayer
Jesus, guide my thoughts away from judgement based on class, race, family background, place of origin, education, appearance. Instead, like Ignatius, help me to give people the benefit of the doubt and see within each person the beloved and beautiful child of God which they are.
—Effie Caldarola
The Daily Examen is a prayer technique developed by St. Ignatius to help us reflect on the events of the day to discern God's presence and direction. When Ignatius founded the Society of Jesus, he required the Jesuits to practice the Examen twice daily—at noon and at the end of the day. It's a habit that Jesuits, and many other Christians, practice to this day.
The Examen structure presented below is adapted from a technique described by Ignatius Loyola in his Spiritual Exercises. Click here for more information from our partners in ministry at Loyola Press.
Daily Examen
1. Become aware of God's presence
God, I believe that at this moment I am in your presence and you are loving me.
2. Review the day with gratitude
God, you know my needs better than I know them. Give me your light and your help to see how you have been with me, both yesterday and today.
3. Pay attention to your emotions
God, help me to be grateful for the moments when people have affirmed me and challenged me. Help me to see how I have responded, and whether I have been kind to others and open to growth.
4. Choose one feature of the day and pray from it
God, forgive me for when I have not done my best or have failed to treat others well. Encourage me, guide me, and continue to bless me.
5. Look toward tomorrow
As I look to the remainder of this day, make me aware that you are with me. Show me how to be the person you want me to be.
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