Reflection by Kerri Baunach Today's Gospel: John 7:1-2, 10, 25-30 You’ll notice if you look at the verses listed for this passage that there is a lot missing from this story. Taking that into account, I wondered what message it was that we are supposed to take from this Gospel. After reflection I believe the point that must be drawn from what is here is that we should always seek to do God’s will. This is illustrated for us in Jesus’ actions in this passage. At first we’re told that Jesus has decided not to go to Jerusalem for the important Feast of Tabernacles, and yet then he does. Much later in this passage Jesus says, “I did not come on my own.” This was a key phrase in helping me to understand the meaning of this Gospel. It all has to do with God’s will. Although Jesus does have his own free will, just as we do since he is fully human as well as fully divine, he always seeks and follows God’s will. Thus Jesus comes to Jerusalem despite his initial decision not to. He also speaks publicly in the temple despite the risk of arrest by the authorities. And when He calls out the people for not really knowing God themselves, they do try to arrest Him. And yet He is able to walk away, because it is God’s will that “his hour had not yet come.” Seeking to understand God’s will for our lives can be frustrating, scary, joyful, intimidating, hopeful, promising, and so much more. And it can be a struggle at times to let go of our own free will to follow God’s will for us. Thankfully, we also have the sacrament of Confession to help us when we stray too far.

Ponder:

Do I always try to seek and follow God’s will in all aspects of my life? Do I make use of the sacrament of Confession when I fall short?

Pray:

O good Jesus, You show us in Your perfection what it means to follow your Father’s will. Help us to always be mindful of His will for us and to follow it always. Amen
Copyright 2019 Kerri Baunach Kerri Baunach lives in central Kentucky with her husband and three boys whom she homeschools with the help of a part-time, classical school. She is a Benedictine Oblate with the Archabbey of St. Meinrad in Indiana. She has written for CatholicSistas.com and her own blog Journal of a Nobody. Receive CatholicMom.com newsletters in your inbox, including the Daily Gospel Reflection each morning! * indicates required
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