Daily Gospel Reflection for December 9, 2021

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

This short Gospel is richly steeped in prophesy and Old Testament connection yet, it was one simple, personal, thump that grabbed my attention. No matter how hard I tried to focus on the deep message, the Holy Spirit kept circling me back to the simple.

As painful as it is to admit, I often see my quest for holiness as a checklist. I get caught thinking if I pray longer, if I’m praying the Rosary, the Chaplet, Liturgy of the Hours, going to Confession often and Mass several times a week I will be holy; almost like a dance card I’m punching as many times as I can. The worse part is that when I fall short, I sometimes look at others and judge and compare. As embarrassing as all this is to admit, this Gospel made me feel the need to see the truth.

Holiness is not a contest and it’s deeply and profoundly personal. Sometimes I feel a little “John-ish”, you know; holier than some, but even the great and holy John slipped to the bottom of the list when compared to those in heaven. As much as it stung, truth is the supreme pride crusher. I was left with a strong taste of “Who do you think you are!” But it was followed by a lovely dose of, “Just be the kind of holy I’m calling YOU to be!”

Ponder:

What kind of comparisons and judgements do you make in your daily life? In your prayer journal, make a list of them and ask the Father to help you see them through His eyes.

Pray:

Good and loving Father, please draw me deeper into holiness. Please permit me to fall more in love with You every day and lead me on the path You’ve laid out just for me instead of trying to follow someone else's.