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Reflect on how everyday faith can bring joy to God, inspired by Jesus' visit to Nazareth and His amazement at their lack of belief.

Today's Gospel: Mark 6:1-6

“He was amazed at their lack of faith.”
When Jesus returned to Nazareth, His neighbors saw only the carpenter’s son—they missed the Messiah in their midst. Their familiarity bred disbelief, and Jesus “could work no miracle there” because of their unbelief.
 
This passage always makes me pause. I look back at my own life—the daily Rosary, the Eucharist, the faithful encouragement of my parents and religious sisters—and I’m amazed at how God worked through such ordinary moments to call me to the priesthood.
 
It makes me wonder: How can I amaze Jesus with my faith? The people of Nazareth amazed Him with their doubt. I want to amaze Him with my trust.
 
Moms and dads, you amaze Jesus when you choose faith in the everyday: when you prioritize Sunday Mass despite the chaos, when you pray even though you’re tired, when you forgive quickly and love patiently. Your faithful choices, however small, create a home where God can perform miracles—especially in the hearts of your children.

 

Ponder:

Do I sometimes take God’s presence for granted in the ordinary moments? How can I choose faith today in a way that brings God joy?

 

Pray:

Lord, I am amazed by Your love. Help me never to overlook Your presence in my daily life. Let my faith—and my family’s—bring You glory.

 

Pray Together:

Share one thing you’re amazed by in God’s goodness today. Then pray together: “Jesus, increase our faith, and help us live in ways that amaze You.”

 


February 4

Copyright 2026 Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C.

 

About the Author

Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C.

Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C.

Father Pinto Paul C.S.C., ordained a priest in the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1999, worked with tribal populations in northeast India as a missionary for ten years. In 2010 he came to the US for further studies. While working as a campus minister at Stonehill College, he assisted pastors in local parishes, led seminars and workshops for teachers and students in the US and earned a master’s degree in Educational Administration from Boston College and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from Lesley University, Cambridge. He is currently working as the International Director of the Boston-based Holy Cross Family Ministries with missions in 18 countries.