Daily Gospel Reflection for October 17, 2021 - 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time

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

Today's Gospel: Mark 10:35-45

Often, like James and John, we think we know what we want or what would be best for us; however, with our limited view and human inclinations, that is not always the case. In contrast, God has the fuller view and always knows what we need, when we need it and exactly how we need it. With His providential love, He gently guides us as He gives us the grace to conform our hearts to His.

I imagine a kind tone as He says, “You do not know what you are asking,” while also prompting thinking, “Can you drink the cup that I drink or be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” (Mark 10:38). Jesus understands all the underlying human inclinations and layers motivating James and John as well as the reaction of the other ten listening in. He recognizes that initial responses will be developed over time as understanding deepens. He accepts His disciples where they are at with their journeys and uses this moment to teach them about the importance of service, rather than glory. He patiently draws them towards greater purity of intentions and motivations, modeling with His life what He has explained to them in words.

Based on an understanding of how God operates, we can confidently offer our desires but surrender the response, trusting that God knows fully what is best for us and those we love, as well as how we need to grow in the moment. When we don’t get what we were hoping for, with confidence we can say, “Jesus, I trust in You,” even as our hearts are breaking at the closed doors we were so certain would be opened.

Ponder:

How can you look back at a previous disappointment with greater understanding for how God was operating in your life to provide you what you really needed or to support your on-going growth?

Pray:

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, truly present in the Holy Eucharist, I place all my trust in You. Help me to faithfully respond to Your grace, so that I may cooperate with Your efforts to purify my heart.

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We can confidently offer our desires but surrender the response, trusting that God knows fully what is best for us and those we love. #dailygospel

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