Daily Gospel Reflection for September 24, 2015

Today's Gospel: Luke 9:7-9

This Gospel reading is very reminiscent of another: “Who do people say that I am?” “Some say John the Baptist; and others say Elijah; still others, one of the prophets.” Herod was hearing the same things about Jesus as his disciples were, and he was perplexed and curious. As Scripture says, “he kept trying to see him.”

Wanting to see Jesus is a longing of the human heart. It is an innate desire of all people, whether they admit it or not. What is more, a day will come when our yearning will be satisfied.

Herod’s desire was first fulfilled early Good Friday morning. He came face to face with his Savior, yet he accepted him not. He couldn’t. Herod’s heart was hardened; his soul was dead to sin. He needed Jesus and did not know it.

We must always be ready to encounter Jesus, keeping our hearts open and our souls free from serious sin. Keep in mind that sometimes Jesus is not who or what we expect Him to be. He is in those around us – John the busboy, Eli the kid next door, the pathetic homeless persons we pass in the street. We must keep trying to see Him and welcome Him as we find Him. Then one day, our deepest desire will be fulfilled, and we will see Him as He truly is.

Ponder:

How will I see Jesus today?

Pray:

Lord Jesus, I long to see you. Help me to recognize you in those around me, especially those who need my help, my patience, my smile. Send me the graces to keep my heart open and my soul free from sin, so that on the day when we meet Face to face, I will be ready for Your beatific vision. Amen.

We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.

Copyright 2015 Kelly Guest