Daily Gospel Reflection for December 23, 2015

Today's Gospel: Luke 1:57-66

Optional Memorial of Saint John of Kanty, Priest

The story of John the Baptist’s birth is one of great mercy. Once again, God gives one of his people a chance to repent. After Zechariah loses his voice due to his questioning the angel about the “impossible” birth of his son, he is given the opportunity to show his faith and obedience to God by insisting that the child’s name will be John. When we look at our own lives, we see that life is full of choices. We can choose to obey God or to follow our own way. When we follow our own way, we are often met with many obstacles. In Zechariah’s case, he was unable to speak until the birth of John. However, when we follow God’s plan, the veil is often lifted in our lives. Just like Zechariah was able to speak again after his obedience, our lives are often blessed by our own obedience.

Ponder:

How have I lived my life today? Have I cooperated in God’s plan, or have I followed my own will?

Pray:

Dear Jesus, help me to follow your will in all things. If I fail and repent, please show your mercy as you did to Zechariah.

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 Jennifer Gladen