Daily Gospel Reflection for December 16, 2021

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

Reflection by Kathryn Mulderink

Today's Gospel: Luke 7:24-30

Here, right in the middle of our preparations for Christmas, we are given this Gospel about the great Precursor, the Baptist, the one whose life task it was to point to Jesus saying, “I am not He, but He is coming… Behold the Lamb of God!” John the Baptist was the final prophet of the Old Testament, the messenger sent to prepare the way for the Messiah. Jesus gives the most profound testimony about him, a testimony that stands for all time: “Among those born of women, no one is greater than John.”

This is a glorious confirmation, and yet there is a call to each of us at the end of this Gospel reading. We are told (and in a way, warned!) that all those who were baptized with the baptism of John “acknowledged the righteousness of God,” but the Pharisees and scholars were not baptized and rejected God’s plan. It seems the less educated and the dreaded tax collectors were receiving the baptism of John, but the more educated and those who should have recognized the signs of God’s action among the people of Israel refused.

This is the stunning reality of the fullness of the freedom God has given us: we are free to say no, to reject God’s plan and purpose for our lives, to remain closed in on ourselves and our own agendas, and refuse to receive God’s grace. And this is not determined by our book learning or theological knowledge, but by our simplicity and openness, our willingness to accept God’s grace in loving obedience. The way to be raised up is to bow down, to seek the silent voice of God in stillness, to crawl into the dark cave to be awed by a young family welcoming a divine Infant King.

Ponder:

In all the joyful preparations for Christmas, how can I carve out time to ponder in stillness the arrival of the King of Kings in the humble darkness of a stable?

Pray:

Lord, let our lives, like the life of St. John the Baptist, point always to You, and not to ourselves, so that we can be fruitful citizens of the Kingdom of God.

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This is the stunning reality of the fullness of the freedom God has given us: we are free to say no, to reject God’s plan and purpose for our lives. #dailygospel

Copyright 2021 Kathryn Mulderink

Kathryn Mulderink, MA is mother of seven, grandmother of four, and a Secular Discalced Carmelite. She has published five books. Over 30 years, she has worked in school and parish administration, and as a writer and voice talent for Catholic Radio. Currently, she serves the Church as a writer and speaker, helping others encounter Christ and engage their faith.