Daily Gospel Reflection for March 28, 2020

Today's Gospel: John 7:40-53 Mankind has not changed very much in two thousand years. Everyone sees people and events through the prism of their own personal perspectives. In today’s gospel crowds gathered, listening to Christ’s Words and witnessing many miracles. Some came away proclaiming Him to be a prophet. Others argued He was Christ, the Promised One. And then there were those scratching their heads in bewilderment, wondering where He came from, upset He was creating so much discord. They went to their teachers for guidance. These learned men did not bother to talk or listen to Christ. Instead, adhering to tradition, they relied on Scripture to explain away Christ. “Does not Scripture say that the Christ will be of David’s family and come from Bethlehem, the village where David lived? Look and see that no prophet arises from Galilee.” Threatened, they defended their stance with God’s Words. Scripture TOLD them the Promised One was to come from Bethlehem. This man was not, therefore any discussion of Him being the Christ was moot! They did not have computers to google Jesus’ ancestry, but I doubt very much it would have even made a difference. "End of story, we do not care to hear anything more, we are right! Take Him away." This was their attitude. At times, we all adapt a similar attitude. We hear only that which reinforces our own beliefs, quickly discounting anything and anyone stating otherwise. Wedded to an idea, many lose the ability to listen with an open heart, see with eyes not blinded by anger, jealousy, or fear. But we hear Jesus daily in the Scriptures. We are invited to encounter Him there, and respond to Him with love.

Ponder:

Do I look for ways to discount others' ideas out of hand because I do not want to consider my own point of view to be wrong?

Pray:

Lord, teach us how to listen with our hearts and our ears, so we may hear Your voice, be open to Your words, and begin to achieve the peace we all desire.