Daily Gospel Reflection for February 20, 2025

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

Today's Gospel: Mark 8:27-33

I find Saint Peter to be so relatable. One minute he’s professing Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah who has come to redeem the world, and the next he’s rebuking the King of Kings to His face. And this isn’t the only time Peter messes up in the Gospels. He denied Christ three times during His passion, couldn’t stay awake when asked, and often spoke before thinking.

I know that Jesus is Lord and that ultimately He’s the one in charge of everything. I wake in the morning and offer my day to Him, asking only for the knowledge of His will and the strength to carry that out. Then, approximately ten minutes later, I’m yelling at my kids, frustrated with my husband, and despairing at the number of things on my to-do list.

Yet, no matter how many times I fall short of living a truly Christ-like life, Jesus never tires of forgiving me and drawing me back into union with Him. Peter, despite his shortcomings as a disciple, was entrusted by Jesus to be the first pope of the Catholic Church. If Christ can use a sinner like him in such a profound way, there might be a chance for me after all.

Pope Francis said, “God always forgives! He never tires of forgiving. It is we who tire of asking forgiveness” (Pope Francis, Daily Reflection, "When God Forgets"). As moms, we get to practice forgiving our own children when they err over and over. In the same way, no matter how many times we mess up, God is always ready to forgive, embrace us lovingly, and put us back to work for the glory of God.

Ponder:

What are the thoughts and behaviors that cause me to struggle with asking for or accepting forgiveness?

Pray:

Lord, I believe You are the Christ. Help me to always live my life with that truth seared on my heart.

Copyright 2025 Maria Riley