Daily Gospel Reflection for December 3, 2019

Today's Gospel: Luke 10:21-24 - Memorial of St. Francis Xavier Today’s Gospel passage starts with, “At that very moment,” so we need to look back to see what happened immediately prior. Jesus was telling his disciples, “Do not rejoice because the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). Jesus then models for His disciples an example of proper praise, an act of gratitude for the gift of faith. Next, He highlights for the disciples how blessed they are for what has been revealed to them. The subheading of this section in the Bible is titled "The Privileges of Discipleship", which sets the stage as a reminder that as Christians, we are called to acknowledge our blessings, express our gratitude and recognize the responsibility that comes with privilege. It reminds me of the closing statement at Mass, “Go in peace, glorifying the Lord by your life.” After being nurtured by the liturgy, mentored by Sacred Scripture and having received the great gift of the Eucharist, we are called to live our faith. Just as Jesus instructed the disciples in what they should and should not rejoice in this life, He always draws us back to what matters and what does not. He reminds us to keep our eyes fixed on heaven, rather than on power. He reminds us to be humble, rather than proud. He calls us to remember that our strengths and blessings all come from God, for which we should respond with gratitude, which naturally points toward thanksgiving in the form of worship and action. God fills us up, that we may freely choose to respond by emptying ourselves out of love for Him.

Ponder:

In this first week of Advent, how can you intentionally create space for worship and service during this liturgical season?

Pray:

Loving Lord, thank You for reminding us to remember the source of all our gifts and blessings, and for modeling with Your life the proper response to what we have been given, love and service.