Daily Gospel Reflection for August 30, 2021

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 4:16-30

This passage in Luke begins on very positive note, with the people amazed at Jesus and his words. But it quickly turns. I have often wondered why, so I looked it up. When Jesus speaks of Elijah and Elisha, He is reminding the people that healing in those cases was out of Israel, outside of the Jewish people, yet done according to God’s plan. Jesus was letting those in the synagogue know that He was coming not only for the Jews but for the Gentiles as well.

Like many of us can be at times, those in the synagogue were selfish. They were in need of the Messiah and they were going to keep him for themselves. But this attitude negates God. For He is about abundance, not scarcity. There is enough God, enough Messiah for all. Sharing Jesus would not have meant less for the Jews, but rather, that more would come to the Kingdom of God.

What is our mentality about scarcity and abundance? Do we save or not give something just in case we might need it later rather than trusting God will provide? I think about this often in my own life. Is my saving or waiting prudence or fear? We need to be responsible with what God gives us. But if we hold onto it too tightly it ceases to be a gift.
The people wanted to hold Jesus too tightly and keep him for themselves. That is why they became angry at the hint of others being included. Indeed, their anger caused Jesus to leave them for the sake of His safety.

Jesus came for all and He came so that we would live a life of abundance. Let us remember that as we go about our day and interacting with others.

Ponder:

Do I live a life focused on scarcity or on abundance?

Pray:

Father, help me to know the awesome abundance of Your love, peace and joy. Guide me to share that abundance with all those in my life. Amen.

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Jesus came for all and He came so that we would live a life of abundance. #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Deanna Bartalini