Daily Gospel Reflection for January 21, 2024

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

Today's Gospel: Mark 1:14-20

Today’s Gospel begins with Jesus proclaiming the gospel of God. In Greek, the word for gospel is euangelion, which means glad tidings, good or joyful news.

Thirty-some years before, the shepherds heard good news. Luke 2:9 tells us that the angels brought good tidings to the shepherds.

Why is this good news significant? Because news is not information. Information is what we hear on the evening news program.

Information does not require a response. Today’s smartphones make it easy to become an information junkie, but let’s face it, the fact that the U.S. Air Force introduced Bob Ross to painting is not going to change my life, but I'm thankful they did.

News, however is different. News requires a response. When my son FaceTimed us to tell us about his engagement, this was not information. This was news and it required, and it received, a response. My husband and I were absolutely delighted at his news and shared in the joy of our son and his fiancé.

The angels told the shepherds that the Savior had been born. They left their flocks and their fields to go the manger to worship the Christ child.

Simon and Andrew did not treat the good news of Jesus as information. When He said, “Come after me,” they responded. They left their nets and followed. Perhaps it was their joy that caught the attention of James and John, who, too, left the past behind to follow Jesus.

Today, may we see that the kingdom of God is at hand, and we, too, have been called.

Ponder:

The Good News of Jesus is not just good information, it is news. It requires a response. What is your response to the call that Jesus has for you today?

Pray:

Lord, help me respond to the Good News you have brought to me. Give me the courage to leave behind what needs to be left behind and to look forward to serving You with joy.