Daily Reflection, September 1, 2026

Reflection

Today’s Gospel Reading invites me to reflect on the difference between appearing holy and becoming holy. We are placed at the beginning stages of Luke’s Gospel, as Jesus starts to teach. He goes into a synagogue and is met not by followers or a rabbi but a demon- who is the first to name Jesus as ‘holy one of God’ in his public ministry. 

It caught my attention that Luke has placed this demon, not outside but inside such a holy place- and it reflected on my heart that just knowing the right words doesn’t mean a thing when we don’t know him.

Growing up Catholic and having the privilege of studying theology young, I’ve come to love the richness of Scripture, history, and doctrine. Yet I also cannot deny I have a tendency to want to create a mask of ‘all-knowing ’, ‘pious ’, and spiritually solid. It can be tempting to try to be Christian without Christ, to be Holy without letting God make you whole. 

What strikes me in contrast is that Jesus in the beginning part of this scripture, his authority is different. His authority isn’t performative. He is not bound by a mask of trying, he simply is. 

I am ever so deeply humbled and reminded that Christ, the Holy One- only ever most deeply desires our mess over our performance. That I must continually come to Christ in rest and surrender, in weakness and despair. To bring all to him. 

To let his word free me from what binds me and without harming me. 

To be still and to know he is God. 

Claire O’Donohueis currently serving as a member of the Oxley Passionist Youth Retreat Team. She holds a bachelor’s degree with majors in Visual Arts and Theology.