Catholic Daily Reflections – September 24, 2026 – Thursday of the Twenty-fifth Week in Ordinary Time – Gospel: Luke 9:7-9.
People can tell you who Jesus is. Books can explain Him. Social media can debate Him. You can even spend years hearing about Him.
But eventually, one question becomes personal: Who is Jesus to you?
Herod heard the reports. He became curious. He wanted to see Jesus. But curiosity alone is not discipleship. Knowing about Jesus must eventually become knowing Jesus.
Main Luke 9:7-9 Reflection
In today’s Gospel, Herod hears about the extraordinary things happening around Jesus.
People offer different explanations. Some think John the Baptist has returned. Others think Elijah or another ancient prophet has appeared.
Herod is confused. He knows he had John killed, so he asks: Who is this man I keep hearing about? And he wants to see Jesus.
That question still matters today. Many people know information about Jesus. They know Christmas. They know Easter. They know Bible verses. They attend Mass. They listen to sermons.
But there is a difference between knowing facts about Jesus and building your life around Him.
Today’s Gospel emphasizes that knowing Jesus involves more than intellectual knowledge; it grows through prayer and actually walking with Him as a disciple. And that changes how we understand our purpose.
Your Gifts Need Direction
You may already know your talents. Perhaps you are good at teaching, business, leadership, technology, writing, medicine, farming, music, construction or communication. Wonderful.
But knowing what you can do is only half the question. You must also ask: Who is directing what I can do?
A gifted person without direction can use intelligence selfishly. A talented leader can build people—or manipulate them. A skilled businessperson can solve problems, or exploit people.
A brilliant communicator can spread truth, or misinformation. Your talent tells you what you are capable of doing. Your relationship with God helps determine what those abilities should become.
That is why before you can effectively serve God, you must identify why God created you and for what purpose. Then your talents, passions, skills and knowledge become tools for carrying out that purpose.
Do Not Let Other People Define Your Calling
Notice something else about today’s Gospel. Herod is surrounded by opinions. “Maybe Jesus is John.” “Maybe Elijah.” “Maybe one of the prophets.” Everybody has an explanation.
We live in exactly that kind of world. People will tell you what success should look like. Choose this career. Make this amount of money. Buy this. Become famous. Follow this trend. Live like this person.
If you are not careful, you can build your whole life from other people’s opinions and never ask God what He created you to do.
Your calling cannot simply be copied from someone else. Their gift may not be yours. Their season may not be yours. Their opportunities may not be yours. Their purpose is certainly not yours.
Learn from people, but do not become a photocopy of them.
Move From Curiosity to Encounter
Herod wanted to see Jesus. But simply wanting to see Him was not enough. That challenges us too. Do not only ask: “Lord, what is my purpose?” Also ask: “Lord, how do You want me to live?”
Spend time in prayer. Read Scripture. Receive the Sacraments. Study your abilities honestly. Pay attention to the needs around you. Then act.
Purpose often becomes clearer where your gifts meet a genuine human need.
If you can teach, whom can you help understand?
If you can lead, whom can you help move forward?
If you have knowledge, whom can it benefit?
If you can create, what worthwhile problem can you solve?
If you can encourage, who needs hope today?
Your purpose should not end with yourself.
Today’s Call to Action
Today, take ten quiet minutes away from other people’s opinions.
Ask Jesus three questions: Who are You to me? What have You placed inside me? Who can I serve with it?
Then choose one practical way to use one of your abilities for someone else. Do not merely be curious about purpose. Begin living it.
Today’s Resolution on Luke 9:7-9 Reflection
Today, serve with humility. Speak with kindness. Carry your responsibilities with faith.
Whatever God has entrusted to you, do it with such honesty and excellence that someone can sincerely say: “Thank you. May the God you worship be praised and glorified.”
Let your talents become service. Let your work become a testimony that God is real, God is good and God is at work in you.
And when success comes, never say: “I made it entirely by myself.” Remember who gave you life, opportunity, intelligence and strength.
Say instead: “It is through the strength, grace and providence that God gives me.”
Do not spend your life merely hearing about Jesus. Know Him. Walk with Him. Then let Him give direction to everything He has placed within you.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, Do not let me be satisfied merely knowing things about You. Help me know You personally, follow You faithfully and allow You to guide my life.
Show me why You created me and how my talents, skills, passions and knowledge can serve others.
Free me from comparison and the pressure to live according to other people’s expectations.
Give me wisdom to recognize my calling and courage to live it with humility and excellence. Amen.
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