Daily Gospel Reflection for May 1, 2021

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

Reflection by Margaret Ann Stimatz

Today's Gospel: John 14:7-14

“[Y]ou still do not know me, Philip?”

I once dated a guy for a year. Getting to know him was like pulling teeth. He volunteered only bare-bones “facts” about his day, his feelings, his hopes, his plans. Only if I probed did he squeeze out another sound-byte or two.

Jesus is nothing like that. He longs for each disciple to know Him, and that includes you and me. By His every action, word, facial expression and vocal inflection, Jesus reveals Himself: His love, his mission as Messiah, His relationship with the Father, and more. Generously and continually, He pours Himself out as gift.

So, why do I like Philip, fail to “get” Jesus on occasion? Why do I have moments (or even days or weeks) when I “do not know” Him?

Whether consciously or unconsciously, I may be putting up barriers of some kind. My mind may be overloaded with distractions; or, my focus consumed with anxieties or burdens. Perhaps I’m growing lukewarm, no longer pursuing the things of God ardently as I once did. Or, I may have allowed my heart to harden so that it blocks Him out completely.
On the other hand, the explanation may lie not with me, but in the grandeur and vastness and inscrutability of God. Because His ways are so much higher than my ways and His thoughts above my thoughts, there are times I plain cannot understand. I cannot comprehend. After all, He is God. And I am not.

Ponder:

If I sense an obstacle separating me from Jesus, am I willing to ask Him to reveal it and move me beyond it?

Pray:

Jesus, I want to know You as fully as You desire. By Your Holy Spirit, please empower the removal of all obstacles and help me connect with You today.