Daily Gospel Reflection for January 14, 2025

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

Reflection by Laurann Donahue

Today's Gospel: Mark 1:21-28

Sometimes I think this passage doesn’t have anything to do with me. Jesus cures a demoniac. I know, it points to the power of Jesus Christ. We see here the power of Jesus even over demons (rebellious angels). The demons even know who He is.

But then when I think about it, I realize this Gospel passage is teaching me that intellectually knowing God (Jesus, God the Son) is not the same as faithfully knowing Him. Belief, intellectual knowledge, is not the same as faith. Faith in Jesus as our Savior and God is something much deeper and more profound than the knowledge the demons have. And yet, they did obey Him and leave the demoniac.

Our job as parents is to guide our children to know, love, and serve God. But, that “know” part is the deep intellectual faith, not just knowledge. We need to help them know Him by being the image (reflection) of God to them in everyday life. We must show them the profound sacrificial love He has for us and serve Him in everything we do. 

Yes, we live in this world now. We can enjoy TV, movies, fiction books, recreational pleasures, and other things this world offers. However, even while doing so, we need to model Christ’s love, patience, and justice for our children in this world. We must be discerning in what we expose our children to. Don’t shelter them too much, but, to the best of our ability, don’t let them be influenced by the world either. Take them to Mass often - at the very least, every Sunday.

“He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey Him.”

Let us model how to obey Him, not as the demons do, but as the saints did. 

Ponder:

How can I help my children see God's image today?

Pray:

Dear Lord, help me to reflect Your image for my children. Help me know You like the saints do.

Copyright 2025 Laurann Donahue