Daily Gospel Reflection for January 18, 2016

Today's Gospel: Mark 2 18-22

The people in today’s Gospel have their own impressions of how a religious teacher and his followers should behave. It’s based on their experience, but they neglect to recognize that their perspective is limited. And so, when they come to Jesus defiantly, objecting to his way of life and of teaching, our Lord rebukes them.

He explains that there are times for fasting and times for celebrating. The liturgical calendar reflects this rhythm in its various seasons.

Furthermore, he reminds them that just because things are or have been a certain way is not enough for them to continue in such a way. Our goal as followers of Christ is not to check observances off a list, but, in practicing our faith, to bring our hearts, our minds, our families, our whole selves, closer to our Father.

God’s ways are not those of man, and it is not our place to direct the will of our God. We cannot become complacent in the path we think God has set out for us. Rather, we must always be open to a change in plans. Like the wise men who, after being warned in a dream to return to their country by another route, we, too, must be willing to change our course to stay close to our Father.

Ponder:

Have I honestly sought guidance from the Holy Spirit regarding the plans that I intend to carry out today, this week, this month, this year? Are my intentions my own, or do they reflect the will of God?

Pray:

Dear Lord, help me to follow you in my thoughts, words, and actions. Help me not to become complacent in my tasks at home, at work, and with my family, but help me to offer these things in prayer for the coming of your kingdom!

Copyright 2016 Lindsay Schlegel

Lindsay Schlegel loves a good story, and has worked on almost every side of book publishing. When she’s not helping other people tell their stories as a freelance editor and writer, you can find her knitting, running, or reading to her children. Find her online on Twitter and on her blog, What I Learned While Writing a Novel.