Thursday after Epiphany
Luke 4:14-22
Encountering Jesus in the ‘Today’ of Our Lives

In today’s Gospel, Jesus begins his public ministry by proclaiming the Word from Isaiah and declares, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled.” This word, TODAY, resonates beyond His time, reminding us that God’s Word is not distant history but a living reality that speaks to us here and now.

As Christians navigating our daily lives, we face challenges that pull us away from the immediacy of God’s presence. Yet, Jesus’ proclamation calls us to embrace the Word of God as active and capable of bringing light and meaning into our daily struggles. The today of Jesus urges us to seek His guidance not just in extraordinary moments but in the mundane realities of our lives.

This reflection encourages us to think about the way the Word of God is shared and embraced in our communities. Preaching without the Spirit’s anointing risks becoming vague and disconnected, leaving hearts unmoved. Instead, the Word should resonate with the Spirit’s power, speaking to the genuine joys, fears, and needs of the faithful.

TODAY, let us commit to engaging with God’s Word daily. A small passage, read and contemplated, can illuminate our lives and infuse our ordinary days with God’s presence. As the Church journeys synodally, listening to the Spirit and to one another, the Word of God remains our compass, guiding us toward unity and renewal.

Let us carry the Gospel with us—on our travels, in our pockets, or in our hearts—and allow its living power to transform our outlook, bring us joy, and draw us closer to God’s plan for TODAY. May we, like Mary, treasure the Word and live its message with faith and perseverance.

© Claretian Publications, Hong Kong, China
Cum Approbatione Ecclesiastica 2025