Good News Reflections:
Making scripture meaningful to your daily life
by Terry Modica
By becoming aware of what you really believe and what you doubt, you will begin to believe more fully.
Good News Reflection for:
Thursday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time
August 7, 2025
Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord, I want to die to everything that prevents Your plans of love from being fulfilled in me. Strengthen my soul for this battle. Amen.
IMPROVE YOUR DAY!
Powerful Catholic prayers are available on our YouTube channel.
Today’s Readings:
Numbers 20:1-13
Ps 95:1-2,6-9
Matthew 16:13-23
bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080725.cfm
USCCB Podcast of the Readings:
bible.usccb.org/podcasts/audio/daily-mass-reading-podcast-august-7-2025
Who is Jesus to you?
“Who do you say that I am?” This question in today’s Gospel reading is what Jesus asks each of us. We especially need to answer this whenever our relationship with him needs to improve. Oh — isn’t that every day?
This reflection contains a spiritual exercise. It invites you to find healing and renewal in your friendship with Christ by meditating on the different names for Jesus or attributes of his nature. Meditate on a different one each day, and dig deep examining your life to find out whether or not you really believe it’s true. By becoming aware of what you really believe and what you doubt, you will begin to believe more fully. You’ll have many “Aha!” moments that change your life.
For example, if you choose to meditate on the word “savior”, you could begin by asking yourself: How do I need saving today? For the word “Lord”, try: What have I been keeping in my own control that I should turn over to Jesus? For the word “healer”, you could go far with: Why do I doubt him when my prayers to overcome sickness are not answered according to my wishes?
Below is a list of names for Jesus. Spend time reflecting on what that name for Jesus means to you. Be honest with yourself, for this will provide healing; it gives Jesus the opportunity to introduce himself to you more fully.
“Who do you say that I am?”
- The Advocate with the Father (1 John 2:1)
- The All and in All (Col. 3:11)
- The Almighty (Rev. 1:8)
- The Author of Our Faith (Heb. 12:2)
- Our Brother (Matthew 12:50)
- The Chief Capstone (Eph. 2:20)
- My Defense (Ps. 94:22)
- My Deliverer (Ps. 40:17)
- Faithful (1 Thes. 5:24)
- Guest (Luke 19:7)
- Harmless (Heb. 7:26)
- The Head of All Principality and Power (Col. 2:10)
- My Helper (Heb. 13:6)
- My Hiding Place (Ps. 32:7)
- Our Hope (1 Tim. 1:1)
- The Kindness and Love of God (Titus 3:4)
- Lord of Peace (2 Thes. 3:16)
- Lowly in Heart (Matthew 11:29)
- A Merciful and Faithful High Priest (Heb. 2:17)
- Our Peace (Eph. 2:14)
- The Power of God (1 Cor. 1:24)
- A Quickening Spirit (1 Cor. 15:45)
- The Riches of His Glory (Rom. 9:23)
- The Same Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow (Heb. 13:8)
- Our Shield (Ps. 84:9)
- My Joy (Ps. 43)
- My Strength (Is. 12:2)
- Teacher (Matthew 10:25)
- The Victory (1 Cor. 15:54)
- Wisdom (1 Cor. 1:25)
This retreat is also available online with a video: wordbytes.org/SpiritualGrowth-who-is-Jesus-to-you/.
© by Terry A. Modica, Good News Ministries
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