Gospel Reflections 800x800 gold outlineToday's Gospel: Luke 11:15-26

Optional Memorial of Saint Denis, Bishop, and Companions, Martyrs

Optional Memorial of Saint John Leonardi, Priest

This passage appears as an argument between Jesus and those observers who listen to him throughout the gospels. Who were these people, the ever-present crowd? Why were they so often challenging him, trying to pick apart his teachings and contradict him with their own arguments? Jesus calls them out, saying, “Whoever is not with me is against me.”

As part of the modern-day crowd listening to Jesus, most of us have broadly aligned ourselves with him. We generally count ourselves among the faithful, and we accept his teachings. We wouldn’t be the ones challenging him, would we?

Perhaps this passage is an invitation to us. Perhaps we could hold our daily lives in closer scrutiny. While we might generally be walking with Jesus, we could examine our lives in detail to see where we stand. At what points during our day do we converge most closely with Jesus and his purpose? At what points do our actions most diverge from him? The examination of conscience is a time-honored tradition in our faith, a way to see how we are growing toward Christ and how we can be more like him.

Ponder:

Would a regular examination of conscience help me to walk more closely with Christ?

Pray:

Jesus, show me the places where my path diverges from yours. Give me courage to work on those areas so that I can be more like you. 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 Abbey Dupuy