Daily Gospel Reflection for July 7, 2021

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

This time of the year is traditionally vacation week in my neck of the woods. I am a big fan of taking time to rest, relax, and recharge. However, I have to admit that I haven’t always invited Jesus away with me in the past. While the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, it is not always in my heart.

At home, with my usual routine, I do a reasonably good job connecting consistently with Jesus. I’ve mastered prayer when I first wake up and Hail Marys throughout my day. My calendar includes an occasional coffee with Christ Scripture time before beginning work. I have noticed in the comfort of my home, and with my family, I rock living my faith out loud and unabashedly. Finding the time and feeling comfortable with a couple of holy hours, Sunday Mass (maybe a daily Mass here and there), and participating in a few women’s groups to share excellent spiritual reading, comes effortlessly.

Take me out of this environment, especially when vacationing with family or friends, who are not Christians or living a particularly Catholic lifestyle, and well, things go awry. Truth be told, this detachment from Jesus can also happen with me on holidays too, which is more upsetting when it is a religious holiday such as Easter or Christmas.

Recognition is the first step to making changes. Sin happens, which is why our merciful Father offers us the sacrament of reconciliation. As you prepare for your summer vacation, spend time deciding how you will pack your faith, and not leave Jesus at home.

Ponder:

In what ways can you keep the Kingdom of heaven—always—at hand?

Pray:

Lord, if You were to forget me for a moment, I would cease to exist. My time with You in prayer as crucial as remembering to breathe. Let me always keep the Kingdom of Heaven at hand. Amen.