Daily Gospel Reflection for March 31, 2020

Today's Gospel: John 8:21-30 “You belong to this world,” Jesus tells the Jews, and it strikes me, because I do, too. I try not to. Or I think I try not to. Does loving a sunrise, savoring my morning coffee, snuggling with my growing-so-fast preschooler count as belonging to this world? “You will die in your sins,” Jesus says. And I can’t help but think of how long it’s been since my last confession. And more from Jesus: “The one who sent me is with me.” He’s not alone. And neither am I. In my love of creation, in my love of my family, in my love of so much, God is with me. Jesus is speaking what the Father told him. And maybe that’s a word that sets you off. Maybe Dad would be better. Or Daddy. Or maybe Uncle. I’ve struggled with this, gotten too caught up in the details and the personas and the thoughts I have. But really, that’s not the point. What I think isn’t necessarily what’s important, though God certainly cares. He’s certainly there. He’s certainly reaching out. He’s certainly polite enough to wait for me to say yes. Though I may think I belong to this world, the indelible mark from my baptism and confirmation has me set aside for a greater purpose. I need only remember that.