Daily Gospel Reflection for January 17, 2022

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

Reflection by Melanie Rigney

Today's Gospel: Mark 2:18-22

Only a week had passed since I’d visited the doctor about a foot injury. But her assistant still weighed me, still wanted to document the medications I take. “I was just here,” I moaned. The assistant smiled and said, “I see that. But maybe you forgot something last time. Bear with me. We’re only trying to help you.”

And so, chastened, I went through the list again. The assistant was right: I’d forgotten about a couple of vitamin supplements, one of which doesn’t always play well with the anti-inflammatory the doctor had given me. Nothing life-threatening, but incompatible, just like the old wineskins and new wine.

In the same way, it’s tough to live a Christ-centered life if we don’t examine ourselves on a regular basis. Instructing our children to treat others with compassion and respect rings hollow to the kiddos if we shout and call names when our spouse is working our last nerve. Gossiping about a frenemy’s comeuppance doesn’t align with the second greatest commandment, to love others as we love ourselves.

Will one fight, one snarky comment threaten our hope for eternal life? Probably not. We’re human. But those lapses are as incompatible with a Christ-centered life as old wineskins are with new wine, and small lapses have a way of growing into big gaps if left unchecked. You see, confessors and spiritual directors aren’t there to castigate us—they’re only trying to help us.

Ponder:

Is there an activity that seems innocuous but doesn’t square with who you are: a daughter of God?

Pray:

Jesus, help me to set aside the words, actions, and thoughts that are incompatible with Your plan for me.

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Will one fight, one snarky comment threaten our hope for eternal life? Probably not. We’re human. But those lapses are as incompatible with a Christ-centered life as old wineskins are with new wine. #dailygospel

Copyright 2022 Melanie Rigney

Melanie Rigney (www.rejoicebeglad.com) is the author of several books about saints as well as a menopause journal for Catholic women. She lives in Arlington, VA.