Daily Gospel Reflection for February 18, 2025

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

Today's Gospel: Mark 8:14-21

“Do you still not understand?” Jesus asks the Apostles in the Gospel reading today.

This question comes after He has reminded them about two of the astounding miracles they have witnessed: the multiplication of the five loaves that fed five thousand with twelve baskets of bread pieces leftover and the second multiplication of another seven loaves, this time feeding four thousand with seven baskets of fragments picked up afterwards.

Jesus recalls the details of both events, especially the numbers involved in the miracles: five loaves blessed, five-thousand fed, twelve baskets filled; seven loaves blessed, four-thousand fed, seven baskets filled. But what does it mean?

Jesus doesn't explain the meanings behind the numbers, or even the miracles. He just points them out, as though that should be enough. In our times, we have the benefit of Scripture scholars and writers who can help us understand more fully what Jesus was doing. But the Apostles didn’t have any of that. Even though they were with Jesus, listening to Him, learning from Him, even experiencing His miracles firsthand, they still didn’t immediately get it. They were confused and even came to the wrong conclusion sometimes. 

That should give us great hope. As we walk with the Lord every day in our own lives, with our own friends and families, we believe in faith that He is with us, too.  But, like the Apostles, we don’t always understand what God is doing in our lives, even when we get to witness His powerful and saving actions. We don’t have to understand how God is working things out for our good. We just have to stay near, listening and praying, and notice the small details in our lives that reveal His presence.

Ponder:

What details in my life show me that God is nearby and with me?

Pray:

Jesus, help me see and understand the good You do in my life. Help me to draw near to You, the Bread of Life.

Copyright 2025 Sarah Pedrozo