Daily Gospel Reflection for March 16, 2022

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

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his Apostles the heartbreaking news that He will be “mocked and scourged and crucified, and he will be raised on the third day.” It is the third time in Matthew’s Gospel that he foretells His Passion, this time in excruciating detail. Still, the disciples do not understand. James and John want a place of honor next to Jesus, one at His right hand and one at His left. Just think about that for a moment. Jesus has just told them of His horrifying death on the cross, a form of torture meted out to criminals. Either they were in denial or perhaps in a state of shock at the prospect of Jesus’ crucifixion.

Often in the Gospels, the disciples act befuddled, stumbling on behind Jesus in blind faith. Now isn’t that the way the entire Bible portrays God’s people? Moses wandered in the desert for forty years. Moses dealt with cycles of murmuring and miracles repeatedly.

I have always admired the way Scripture never sugarcoats the faults of the Hebrews or the disciples. We see every wart, every sin, and hear every grumbling word. We too are called to take unflinching inventory of our sins and frequent Confession. Jesus tells us that He “did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Perhaps these words further confused the disciples. After all, Pentecost had not occurred. Only with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit did they become courageous and finally begin to understand the Savior’s teachings. So must we cling to the gifts of the Holy Spirit and the Sacraments.

Ponder:

Do I realize that honest assessment of my sins is the start of spiritual growth?

Pray:

Oh Lord, protect me from discouragement when I am confused and frightened. May I be encouraged by Holy Scripture to see how the disciples stumble in darkness yet persevere in blind faith, trusting in the Good Shepherd.