Daily Gospel Reflection for February 25, 2018

Today's Gospel: Mark 9:2-10 - 2nd Sunday of Lent In today’s Gospel, we hear of Jesus taking His three closest apostles up to the mountain where they witnessed the Transfiguration. I have often wondered if Jesus had favorites. We know he had the 12 apostles, and He sends out the 72 disciples in Luke 10. But these three and especially Peter and John seem to play a special role in Jesus’ life. We are called to love everyone, but I think it is in our human nature to develop a closer relationship with a few. Certainly my spouse and siblings and children are some of the ones I have the closest bond, but I have certain friends and mentors whom I love. It is through these friendships I have learned some of my greatest lessons. True friendships involve three elements: Relationship means we spend time with that person. In these days of “Facebook friends” this does not mean scrolling through their posts, but it does mean spending actual time with someone. Certainly the apostles invested time in their friendship with Jesus – choosing to follow Him for three years. Trust means we can share those thoughts and feelings. Faithfulness and loyalty are key to friendship. Without them, we often feel betrayed, left out, and lonely. With that trust comes the commitment to forgive. Jesus’s example of returning to Peter after his denial is a great example of that forgiveness. From there grows accountability. We want to see our friends grow and accept their observations to help us see where we can grow. Genuine friendship supports during times of struggle. We love our friends no matter what and we always want the best for our friends.

Ponder:

Reflect on your closest friendships; resolve how you may become a better friend, and think about how it can transform you.

Pray:

Lord, I ask you to bless my friend _____ and fill his/her life with Your great love. Please help me to become a better friend to _______ as I grow closer to You in Your example.

Copyright 2018 Sharon Wilson I am a wife to my husband Dave and mother to my children Courtney and Gabe. I have a degree in education and have worked as a teacher, in advertising, radio, retail buyer and in youth advocacy – I even rode an elephant in the circus once! I am a “cradle” Catholic who didn’t really know my faith until my adulthood. On fire with my faith and love for God I dove into parish life at Divine Mercy Catholic Church in Faribault, Minnesota. I love talking about my faith and learning more about the great gift of being Catholic. Find me at www.glorifiedwounds.com Receive CatholicMom.com newsletters in your inbox, including the Daily Gospel Reflection each morning! * indicates required