Daily Gospel Reflection for January 4, 2025

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

Today's Gospel: John 1:35-42

In some ways, the direct, no-frills writing style of today’s Gospel makes evangelization seem really easy. All John has to do is point out the Messiah, and immediately his friends follow Him. Surely it must be more difficult than that! And for most of us, especially in today’s culture, it is more difficult. It is, however, also that simple. 

Sometimes there is a temptation to over-complicate the way we evangelize our friends and family. We think we need just the right words, the fancy graphics of an app, or an enticing ad campaign to make Christianity look appealing to others. At its heart, though, sharing the faith is really just a matter of echoing John’s words: “Behold, the Lamb of God.” 

My faith has been deepened considerably because of my friendships with other Catholic mothers. Whether it’s a serious discussion over the difficulties of committing to NFP, a book club meeting where we identify the Catholic themes in a novel or spiritual nonfiction book, or a reminder of when and where the next Confession times are, these friendships point me toward the Lamb of God. They remind me every day where I ought to focus my attention, and for whom I live my life. 

In response, I, too, try to help my fellow moms stay focused on the Lord. I offer prayers when they endure difficulties, recommend favorite books that have given me encouragement, and share videos and other media that speak to me, or to situations my friends are facing. In this way, we can all help one another on our faith journey, simply by telling each other, “We have found the Messiah.” 

Ponder:

How do I encourage my friends to seek the Lord in their busy and sometimes stressful lives as moms? 

Pray:

Lord, help me to always direct my love and attention toward You. By my example, allow others to recognize that You are the Messiah, the Lamb of God. 

Copyright 2024 Katie Fitzgerald