Daily Gospel Reflection for July 4, 2021 - 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Today's Gospel: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Mark 6:1-6

I followed my husband out of the room, barely pausing for breath as I spoke. The excitement in my voice could not be contained as I chattered on, telling him all about this new person I’d met - this person I was learning more and more about, and to whom I was becoming more drawn each day.

This person … named Jesus.

I had begun to experience the healing and freeing love that comes from being in relationship with Jesus - a real relationship consisting of so much more than simply checking a box after attending Sunday mass. My heart was on fire, and more than anything, I wanted my husband to have the same experience! I wanted him to walk in the same unconditional, healing, fierce love of our God.

But one sarcastic, cutting response from my husband told me he was not ready. His heart and mind were closed. As I realized nothing I could say in that moment would reach him, my heart broke. I was crushed. And in response, I became defensive. Frustrated. Mildly argumentative even.

Reading today’s Gospel, I wonder how Jesus felt when He realized the people were not swayed by His words. He was teaching in the synagogue in His hometown, so I imagine He’d known some of the people there His whole life. Was He also filled with excitement before the people took offense at Him?

Yet scripture shows us that Jesus did not respond by becoming argumentative or defensive. He remained secure in His identity, not letting the response of the people shake Him. And He remained confident in His mission, doing the small bit of work He could while there, before relocating to a region where His word would be effective.

Ponder:

How do I react when I encounter challenges or opposition as I attempt to tell others about my relationship with Jesus?

Pray:

Lord, as much as I want my loved ones to know You and receive Your unconditional love, I know You desire this even more. Please guide my words and actions so that I may be an instrument towards this end.